Atlanta United’s Barco called up by Argentina for U20 World Cup

Atlanta United is about to begin the busiest stretch of its MLS schedule without one of its best players after it was announced on Friday that Ezequiel Barco was named to the Argentina Under-20 national team for the World Cup.

Atlanta United will play at Sporting KC on Sunday in the first of eight games in 28 days. Barco will join the Argentina team on Monday.

The U20 World Cup begins in Poland on May 23 and ends on June 15. Argentina will face South Africa on May 25, Portugal on May 28 and South Korea on May 31 in the group stage.

Barco leads Atlanta United with three goals. He has eight appearances for Argentina’s U20 national team.

Hector Villalba would likely be Barco’s replacement in the starting lineup for Atlanta United manager Frank de Boer.

About the Author

Spain highlights Atlanta’s World Cup matches

World Cup analysis: Winners and losers

Friday’s World Cup draw produced a brutal Group of Death with France, Norway and Senegal. See which other groups will be toughest and which look easiest.

Getting to know the World Cup teams

Of the 48 teams that will make up the World Cup, 42 are already known. Get to know all 42.

The Latest

Credit: AP

Spain highlights Atlanta’s World Cup matches

World Cup analysis: Winners and losers

Getting to know the World Cup teams

Featured

Credit: AP

A tiny nation qualified for its first World Cup. Cape Verde has fans here

Cape Verde, competing in its first World Cup, will take on the world's No. 1 team in Spain at 12 p.m. on June 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Georgia’s special ed program promised help. Families say it delivered them harm.

Georgia subdues a nemesis in rolling past Crimson Tide for SEC championship

Georgia notched its best win of the season at the perfect time, finally vanquishing Alabama in Atlanta and taking home the SEC Championship for the second straight year.