MEDELLIN (Colombia), July 28: Spain will be the favorite to add another World Cup to its trophy case — this time the Under-20 version — when the showcase for young talent gets under way on Friday.

Ghana, which upset Brazil two years ago in the final in Egypt, has failed to qualify this time around. But six-time champion Argentina is back after missing out in 2009 and will be among the contenders with four-time winner Brazil, France and a long list of challengers in a strong 24-team field.

Some players are already with big European clubs. Juan Manuel Iturbe just moved to FC Porto in Portugal, while teammate Erik Lamela is joining Roma from Argentine side River Plate. But new talent is bound to be uncovered in the 3{-week tournament.

The biggest concern for many teams may be dealing with the “thin air factor,” with six of the eight venues at altitude.

The curtain-raising match is Friday in Group ‘F’, with England against North Korea in Medellin. The other Group ‘F’ match has Argentina facing Mexico. In Group ‘E’ on Friday, Brazil faces Egypt in Barranquilla and Austria plays Panama in Cartagena.

On Saturday, it's: Mali vs. South Korea and Colombia vs. France in Group ‘A’; plus Cameroon vs. New Zealand and Portugal vs. Uruguay in Group ‘B’.

On Sunday, it's: Costa Rica vs. Spain and Australia vs. Ecuador in Group ‘C’; plus Nigeria vs. Guatemala and Croatia vs. Saudi Arabia in Group ‘D’.

The round of 16 is Aug. 9-10, the quarter-finals Aug. 13-14, the semi-finals Aug. 17 and the final and third-place game on Aug. 20 in Bogota.—AP