The stage is set for the 10th edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup, scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan from September 14 to October 6, 2024.
This landmark event marks the first time a FIFA competition will be held in Central Asia, bringing together 24 of the world's top futsal teams in what promises to be the most competitive tournament to date.
A massive moment for Futsal in Asia. The FIFA Futsal World Cup. (Photo courtesy: FIFA)
Tournament Details
Dates: September 14 - October 6, 2024
Host Cities: Tashkent, Andijan, and Bukhara
Participating Teams: 24
Total Players: 336
Matches: 52
Tournament Format
The 24 teams are divided into six groups of four:
Group A: Uzbekistan, Netherlands, Paraguay, Costa Rica
Group B: Brazil, Cuba, Croatia, Thailand
Group C: Argentina, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Angola
Group D: Spain, Kazakhstan, Aotearoa New Zealand, Libya
Group E: Portugal, Panama, Tajikistan, Morocco
Group F: IR Iran, Venezuela, Guatemala, France
New Contenders and Returning Champions
The 2024 Futsal World Cup welcomes four debutant nations: Afghanistan, France, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Tajikistan. These newcomers will face off against established powerhouses, including:
Portugal: The defending champions, featuring star player Pany Varela (Silver Ball and Silver Boot winner in 2021)
Argentina: 2016 champions with five returning players from their title-winning squad
Brazil: Boasting Ferrao, the Golden Boot winner from the previous World Cup
Context24. The official ball of the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan. (Photo courtesy: FIFA)
Key Players to Watch
Dylan Manickum (New Zealand): Set to make history by competing in his second FIFA tournament, having previously represented Auckland City FC in two FIFA Club World Cup editions
Ferrao (Brazil): The reigning Golden Boot winner, expected to lead Brazil's goal-scoring efforts
Pany Varela (Portugal): A key player in Portugal's title defense, known for his exceptional skills and goal-scoring ability
Global Broadcast Reach
Futsal fans worldwide will have unprecedented access to the tournament, with live broadcasts secured in over 175 territories across all six confederations. For regions without linear television coverage, FIFA+ will stream all matches live and free, ensuring global access to every minute of the action.
Mascot
XON is truly representative both of the unique features of futsal, including its speed and its thrilling nature, and of the local and regional heritage of Uzbekistan.
The captivating tiger also symbolises the spirit of the futsal event, reminding everyone that no matter where you come from or who you are, there is a place for you on the futsal pitch and in the community.
The choice of XON™ takes inspiration from the ability of Turanian tigers to hide, appear out of nowhere and suddenly disappear again with power and grace, just as the top futsal players wriggle their way skilfully out of tight spots with to attack, defend and create.
Xon, the official mascot. Representing the unique regional heritage of central Asia. (Photo courtesy: FIFA)
Opening Match and Final
Opening Match: Uzbekistan vs. Netherlands on September 14, 2024
Final: October 6, 2024, in Tashkent, where the new world champions will be crowned
The 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan is poised to be a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and passion, bringing together established futsal nations and exciting newcomers in what could be the most unpredictable tournament yet. With global broadcast coverage and the stage set in the historic cities of Uzbekistan, futsal fans around the world are in for an unforgettable spectacle.
First ever World Cup in a Central Asian country. The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024. (Photo courtesy: FIFA)
