The 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship took place in Chile from 10 to 25 October 1987.

Remarkably, in the course of the tournament the Yugoslavs defeated each of the three other semi-finalists, and eliminated the defending champions Brazil.

The tournament took place in four venues: Antofagasta, Valparaíso, Concepción and Santiago.

Four group winners, and four second-place finishers qualify for the knockout round.

Marcel Witeczek of West Germany won the Golden Boot award for scoring seven goals.