FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 19, 2025) – FC Dallas defender Nolan Norris has officially been named to the United States U-20 men’s national team roster for the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The tournament runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 19, and for the Fort Worth native, the call-up represents the culmination of years of hard work and ambition.
“Representing the United States in the U-20 World Cup means a lot to me,” Norris said. “It’s been a big goal of mine for the past few years. I’ve thought about this every single day for the last couple of years. To finally get that call and know I’ll be part of the team representing my country at a World Cup is a dream come true and something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
From Academy Prospect to First-Team Contributor
Norris’ rise within the FC Dallas organization has been steady and deliberate. Signed as the club’s 35th Homegrown player on Nov. 16, 2022, he made his senior debut on May 31, 2023, against Sporting Kansas City. By 2025, Norris had carved out a greater role for himself in Eric Quill’s squad.
This season, Norris set a personal best with 13 appearances across all competitions, logging 774 minutes of action. On June 14, 2025, he recorded his first career assist in a 4-2 victory over Sporting Kansas City, marking another step in his professional development.
The defender’s composure on the ball, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities have made him a valuable depth option in Dallas’ back line while also keeping him in the mix for consistent international duty.
International Pedigree
Norris has been a fixture in the U.S. youth national team setup, accumulating 29 appearances since making his international debut against Russia’s U-15 squad on Oct. 25, 2019. Over the years, he has represented the United States in various age groups and tournaments, further establishing himself as one of the country’s top young defensive prospects.
In 2024, Norris wore the captain’s armband for the U.S. U-20s at the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, where he led the squad to the final against Mexico. Earlier this month, he started in a 4-1 friendly win against Morocco, offering yet another glimpse of his maturity and consistency on the international stage.
World Cup Stage Awaits
The United States will play in Group E at the U-20 World Cup, opening against New Caledonia on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. CT, followed by France on Oct. 2 at 3 p.m. CT and South Africa on Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. CT. All matches will be played at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile and broadcast on Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, and NBC Universo.
The tournament will feature 24 teams split across six groups of four, with the top two finishers in each group and the four best third-place teams advancing to the knockout stage. From there, the competition becomes single-elimination until a champion is crowned.
A Proud Moment for Club and Country
For FC Dallas, Norris’ inclusion represents another milestone in the club’s long-standing commitment to developing Homegrown talent. He joins a growing list of academy graduates who have made their mark on international stages, reinforcing Dallas’ reputation as one of Major League Soccer’s premier talent pipelines.
“Nolan embodies everything we strive for in our Homegrown program,” said an FC Dallas spokesperson. “His professionalism, leadership, and ability to step up in big moments have been clear since he joined the first team. We’re excited to see him represent both FC Dallas and the United States on the world stage.”
As the U-20 World Cup approaches, Norris will have the opportunity to showcase his growth in one of the sport’s most prestigious youth tournaments. For a player who has long dreamed of this moment, the next month could serve as both a career-defining experience and a springboard toward even greater heights with club and country.
