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USMNT on the youth World Cup stage

The U.S. Under-20 men's national team is competing at the U-20 World Cup in South Korea, and later this year the U-17s will compete at the U-17 World Cup in India. Throughout the years, the competitions (which back in the day were known by other names before adopting the World Cup moniker) have been breeding grounds for future U.S. stalwarts before they went on to the bigger stage. Here's a look back at they looked like in their youth days.
USMNT on the youth World Cup stage
USMNT on the youth World Cup stage

USMNT on the youth World Cup stage

DaMarcus Beasley

A bleach-haired DaMarcus Beasley takes on host nation New Zealand at the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship.

Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan gets by a challenge against host New Zealand at the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship.

Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan takes on Mexico in the quarterfinals at the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship in New Zealand.

Oguchi Onyewu

Oguchi Onyewu is incredulous at being sent off against host New Zealand in the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship.

Oguchi Onyewu

Oguchi Onyewu goes in for a challenge against Australia in the semifinals of the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship.

Jozy Altidore

Jozy Altidore and Brazil's Luizao vie for the ball at the 2007 U-20 World Cup in Canada.

Brad Davis

Brad Davis celebrates a goal for the USA against Chile at the 2001 U-20 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina.

Michael Bradley

Michael Bradley challenges Luis Suarez at the 2007 U-20 World Cup in Canada.

Brek Shea

Brek Shea takes on Germany at the 2009 U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

Ike Opara, Brek Shea

Ike Opara and Brek Shea go for the ball in a USA-Cameroon match at the 2009 U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

Freddy Adu

Freddy Adu leads the USA vs. Argentina in the 2005 U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.

Luis Gil

Orlando City and former Real Salt Lake and Queretaro midfielder Luis Gil takes a shot during the 2013 U-20 World Cup.

Wil Trapp

Columbus Crew SC captain Wil Trapp at the 2013 U-20 World Cup against Spain.

DeAndre Yedlin

USMNT and Newcastle right back DeAndre Yedlin begins his meteoric rise at the 2013 U-20 World Cup, pictured here against Spain.

Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic scores against Croatia during the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile.

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