The 1977 FIFA World Youth Championship was the inaugural staging of the FIFA World Youth Championship, hosted by Tunisia from 27 June to 10 July 1977, in three venues — Tunis, Sousse and Sfax. The 28 matches played were the smallest number in tournament history. The USSR U20s defeated Mexico U20s in a penalty shootout, in the final held at Tunis's Stade El Menzah.
The Tournament Committee was chaired by FIFA Vice-President Harry Cavan, who had spearheaded the creation of the World Youth Championship.
For a list of all squads that began play in the group stage of the tournament, see 1977 FIFA World Youth Championship squads
The group winners advanced directly to the semifinals.
Guina of Brazil won the Golden Shoe award for scoring four goals. In total, 70 goals were scored by 49 different players, with none of them credited as own goal.
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