FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024

[amenina]

Jelovcic, Marinovic return Croatia to the big stage

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... -play-offs

Croatia beat Poland 5-4 on aggregate in their play-off for a place at Uzbekistan 2024.

A 2-2 draw in Zagreb secured Croatia a 5-4 aggregate victory over Poland

They became the sixth European nation to reach Uzbekistan 2024

Two national legends will now grace the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the first time

Croatia held off a courageous Poland comeback to reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup™ for the first time in 24 years. Marinko Mavrovic’s team led by three goals on aggregate with little over six minutes of the second leg remaining, but ultimately snuck through 5-4.

Croatia will join France, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine in representing Europe at Uzbekistan 2024. The continent’s final spot will be seized by either Finland or the Netherlands on Wednesday. The sides drew 1-1 in their first leg in Almere.

Croatia agonisingly lost on penalties to Czechia in a play-off for a place at Lithuania 2021, but they got off to a fine start this time around, scoring twice inside 23 seconds in Poland to turn defeat into victory. Luka Peric bagged a brace in that 3-2 success, but a yellow card meant he missed the second leg.

The Croatians were 2-0 up in Zagreb thanks to goals from national legends Franco Jelovcic and Dario Marinovic. The visitors nevertheless refused to throw in the towel. Piotr Skiepko pulled one back, before Kristijan Postruzin’s red card gave the Poles a numerical advantage. Michal Kubik then made it 2-2 on the night with 47 seconds remaining, but Croatia survived to make it to Uzbekistan.

There were wild celebrations at the final whistle. Jelovcic and Marinovic, who have enjoyed admirable careers at club level, and will soon turn 33 and 34 respectively, will finally get to appear on the biggest stage.

“I wanted to reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup with Croatia so badly, and now finally my dream came true,” Marinovic told FIFA. “The previous failures make this success even sweeter.

“Now we have to enjoy the moment, celebrate, and then prepare for the tournament. I'm convinced we make a major impact in Uzbekistan.”

Zoran Primic added: “It was really tense, but we fought like lions. We have deserved to reach the World Cup despite conceding the late goal, as we were the better team. We did everything right.”

Croatia impressed at their first World Cup, beating Australia 6-0 and Costa Rica 4-1 to progress from their first-phase group. They then finished third from four in their second-round section.

[amenina]

Updates of other confederations

AFC: Futsal Asian Cup start today. Top four teams (excluding Uzbekistan) will qualify for World Cup.

CAF: Group stage finished on Tuesday, with four teams advancing to semi-finals. Top three teams will qualify for World Cup.







CONCACAF: Group stage finished on Monday, with eight teams advancing to quarter-finals. Top four teams will qualify for World Cup.

[amenina]

Kuijk heroics help Oranje win insane play-off

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... fs-qualify

The Netherlands won the most dramatic of play-offs against Finland to return to the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the first time in 24 years.

The Netherlands edged Finland on penalties to reach Uzbekistan 2024

They had been six seconds away from missing out

Goalkeepeer Manuel Kuijk was phenomenal

An extraordinary performance from Manuel Kuijk inspired the Netherlands to victory over Finland on penalties in one of the craziest FIFA Futsal World Cup™ qualifying play-offs ever. The goalkeeper repelled two spot-kicks and made innumerable other saves during the game, and produced the only denial of the shootout as the Oranje reached the global finals for the first time in 24 years.

The Netherlands became the eighth and final European nation to secure a place at Uzbekistan 2024, which begins in September, following Croatia, France, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine. Finland, for their part, have now been left devastated in back-to-back play-offs having lost 6-5 to Serbia in their battle for a berth at Lithuania 2021.

Finland began the tie as the favourites, and looked set to win in Almere until Jordy Creiter’s late strike snatched the Netherlands a 1-1 draw in the first leg. The latter still had it all to do given that they were playing on enemy territory and against higher-ranked opponents, whose cast included Spain-based duo Jani Korpela and Henri Alamikkotervo.

From the outset, however, Kuijk – who last week became a father for the first time – exasperated the Finns by making magnificent saves with his hands and legs. Two predatory goals from Martinus, against the run of play, put the Dutch 2-0 up, only for Justus Kunnas to pull one back with 13 minutes remaining.

Kunnas then had the chance to equalise from the spot, only for Kuijk to keep his attempt out, but goals from Lassi Lintula and Iiro Vanha powered Finland into the lead. That seemed set to qualify them for a first FIFA Futsal World Cup, only for Ayoub Boukhari’s strike six seconds from time to send the contest to extra-time.

In the extra frame, it was the Dutch’s turn to suffer 11th-hour devastation. After Kuijk had saved another Kunnas penalty and Ismail Ouaddouh had put the visitors on the cusp of the finals, Vanha struck with one second on the clock to send this comic-book contest to a shootout. In it, only one spot-kick was spurned, and once again it was Kunnas who fell victim to the phenomenal Kuijk.

“I am lost for words,” Kruij told FIFA. We have qualified for the greatest stage in world futsal. This is by far the biggest moment of my career. It is unbelievable what happened tonight.”

“I’m extremely happy, extremely proud,” said Miguel Andres. “I’m very emotional. Just to put it into context: we played against a team who have a lot more experience than us, who compete at a much more professional level. To reach the World Cup means everything.

“Manuel’s performance was perfect. He saved three penalties, he made great saves. [The benefit] of having Manuel is far greater than the saves he makes. It’s the confidence he gives us, the safety he makes us feel.”

[amenina]

Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala and Panama reach world finals

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... ma-qualify

Costa Rica, Cuba and Panama overcame serious examinations to reach Uzbekistan 2024, while Guatemala did so in remarkable style.

The dream ended for Canada, Dominican Republic, Panama and USA

Players and coaches express their euphoria

Guatemala reached the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™ in emphatic style, while Costa Rica, Cuba and Panama passed stern examinations to qualify. The quartet will now contest the Concacaf Futsal Championship semi-finals.

Costa Rica, chasing a fourth straight Concacaf Futsal Championship crown, were the overwhelming favourites to down a Canada team striving to reach the global finals for the first time in 35 years. The underdogs nevertheless put up an admirable fight, with goals from Minor Cabalceta, Milinton Tijerino and Gilbert Vindas ultimately eking out a 3-2 victory for Los Ticos.

“This qualification means a lot of joy and tears,” Vindas told FIFA. “Each one of us knows what we have sacrificed to achieve this goal. We have given Costa Rica the joy of being at another World Cup.”

Coach Alex Ramos added: “A lot of effort, time and sacrifice earns results. I feel grateful to God, to my family and to this extraordinary squad, since they made this qualification to the World Cup a reality.”

Costa Rica will tie USA’s regional record of six FIFA Futsal World Cup participations later this year. They have progressed from the first phase once. At Colombia 2016, indeed, a 2-2 draw with eventual champions Argentina helped them reach the second round.

Panama, like Costa Rica, ground out a victory that sent them to a fourth straight global finals. Oscar Hinks and Ruman Milord had them two goals to the good against USA, but Nilton de Andrade pulled one back to make for a nervy finale.

The Canal Men will now look to equal or eclipse their best-ever finish at a FIFA Futsal World Cup: the last 16 from Thailand 2012.

Guatemala found themselves 3-1 down against an emerging Mexico, but produced a scintillating display thereafter to run out 9-4 winners. Roberto Alvarado and Marvin Sandoval scored three and two goals apiece.

“We suffered a lot to win the previous games,” Sandoval told FIFA. “In this one, we want to make sure of qualification, we didn’t want to risk anything.”

Captain Alan Aguilar remarked: “We’ve never got past the first round at the World Cup. Our target is to reach the knockout phase in Uzbekistan.”

The last quarter-final pitted Cuba, four-time Concacaf runners-up, against a Dominican Republic outfit aiming to reach the global stage for the first time. It proved to be a very even game, with first-half goals from Jonathan Hernandez and Diego Ramirez proving enough for the Cubans to stamp a ticket to Uzbekistan.











Semi-finals
Thursday 18 April
Costa Rica v Cuba
Panama v Guatemala

[amenina]

Host Cities for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™ announced

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... ost-cities

Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent have been revealed as the host cities for this year's FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Tashkent, Bukhara and Andijan will be the three venues for Uzbekistan 2024

It will be the first FIFA event to take place in Central Asia

Draw to take place on 26 May

The three Host Cities for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024™, the first FIFA event to be staged in a Central Asian country, have been decided, with the capital, Tashkent, being joined by the ancient Silk Road trading centre of Bukhara and the city of Andijan in the Fergana Valley.

The 10th edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup™, which will feature 24 teams, including holders Portugal and record five-time champions Brazil, will be contested from 14 September to 6 October. The draw is scheduled to be held on 26 May in Samarkand and so far there will be two debutants in the hat, namely France and New Zealand.

“We are delighted with the choice of these three incredible cities, which represent the contrasting faces of Uzbekistan, and I am sure that the 24 participating teams will feel at home here and be able to perform at their best,” said FIFA Director of Tournaments Jaime Yarza.

“This will be the first-ever FIFA tournament to take place in Uzbekistan, and indeed Central Asia, which makes it very special for FIFA and supports our mission of becoming truly global.”

Ravshan Irmatov, the Senior Vice-President of the Uzbekistan Football Association, said: “We feel very honoured to host this great event. Uzbekistan is a wonderful country that is developing at a tremendous rate, and now we can prepare to welcome the world’s best futsal players and coaches and give them a taste of this fascinating place.

“Given futsal’s huge popularity across the globe, we expect thousands of fans from all over the world to pack out the stands and support their teams, setting the stage for everyone to enjoy the action and creating a great atmosphere.”

The tournament, which is being hosted by an AFC member association for the fourth time, comes at an exciting juncture for football and futsal in Central Asia, where rapid development is afoot. For example, Tajikistan made their debut at the AFC Asian Cup this year, with Kyrgyz Republic taking part for the second time following their first appearance in 2019.

Futsal, for its part, has grown greatly in Uzbekistan over the last decade. The national team participated in the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the first time in 2016 and reached the knockout phase in 2021, losing out 9-8 to IR Iran in the last 16 in one of the most pulsating games in the tournament’s history. The White Wolves have also finished as runners-up at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup four times and featured on the podium in its last four editions.


Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent to stage spectacular show

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... ttractions

[amenina]

Helber fires Angola to the big stage

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... on-qualify

Helber hit a hat-trick as Angola upset Egypt 7-3 to reach Uzbekistan 2024.

Angola beat Egypt to reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup

They will meet Morocco in Sunday's Futsal AFCON final

Helber was magnificent for the Angolans

Helber was unplayable as Angola upset Egypt 7-3 in a thriller to qualify for this year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup™. The 23-year-old hit a hat-trick and provided a sublime assist in a 7-3 victory over the record three-time African champions.

Angola will now meet Morocco for the CAF Futsal AFCON title on Sunday. Egypt will take on Libya for the continent’s last ticket to Uzbekistan 2024.

Chico capitalised upon a defensive mistake to fire Angola ahead after only 69 seconds, only for Raheem to equalise half-a-minute later. Pesado restored the advantage following an exquisite back-heel from Helber, but Raheem levelled once again, this time from the penalty spot. Two excellent saves from Egpyt goalkeeper Gamal sent the sides in at deadlock.

A superb Anderson goal put Angola in front and, with five minutes to go, they amplified the advantage. Goalkeeper Gomito played a long ball forward and Anderson’s missed attempt to head wrong-footed Gamal, with the ball bouncing into the net.

Egypt immediately opted to utilise the flying goalkeeper, and it paid immediate dividends, Mohamed Saeed pulling one back with a fizzing shot. Thereafter, however, it was the Helber show. Jo set the No9 up for his first, before he netted two lobs from distance with the goal unguarded.

“We’re in World Cup,” said Angola coach Marcos Antunes, crying. “Thank you! Thank you to all Angolans!”

“Let’s believe, let’s believe,” screamed Helber. “Thank you to all the Angolans who believed in us. This isn’t about me, it’s about Angola.”

Angola had never appeared at the FIFA Futsal World Cup until 2021, but have now qualified for the second time in succession. They fell in a very tough group, also comprising Japan, Paraguay and Spain, at the last global finals and though they lost all three games, Guga electrified.


Morocco roll past Libya to reach World Cup

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... istan-2024

Soufiane El Mesrar and Bilal Bakkali each strike twice as Morocco march past Libya 6-0 to reach Uzbekistan 2024.

Morocco down Libya to reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup

They will face Angola in Sunday's Futsal AFCON final

Second successive clean sheet for Morocco

Morocco got two goals each from Soufiane El Mesrar and Bilal Bakkali as they defeated Libya 6-0 to qualify for this year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup™.

It is the fourth straight World Cup qualification for Morocco, who will look to earn their third consecutive CAF Futsal AFCON crown on Sunday against Angola. Libya will take on Egypt for the continent’s last ticket to Uzbekistan 2024.

It was one-way traffic from the start, as the tournament hosts had Libya pegged back in their own half. The scoring would soon start through El Mesrar, who fired into goal before three minutes had ticked off the clock.

Youssef Jouad then doubled the margin to 2-0 when he redirected in a blast from Soufian Charraoui. Bakkali joined the scoring party with right-footed rocket into the top right corner, before Anas El Ayyane easily swept into net to hand Morocco a commanding 4-0 half-time advantage.

Morocco remained in control in the second period, as El Mesrar struck for his second of the night shortly after the restart. Bakkali then capped things off almost midway through the period to complete the decisive 6-0 scoreline.

[amenina]

Libya rally to win ticket-clinching shootout

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... on-qualify

Libya, 2-0 down at half-time, overcame Egypt on penalties to reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Libya rallied from behind to upset Egypt on penalties and reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™. The Mediterranean Knights can now look forward to a third global finals – and first since 2012 – while the Pharaohs miss out for the first time in 32 years.

“I’m very happy,” Libya coach Ricardo Inuguez told FIFA. “My players are the best. It was a very difficult game.

“We were 2-0 down but I stayed calm and trusted my players. My we can prepare for Uzbekistan. It's amazing.”

Egypt, the record three-time African champions, kicked off as the favourites and went in at the break 2-0 up thanks to an Essam Ramadan double. A brilliant goal from Mohamed Said halved the deficit, however, before Suhayb Alghoul sent the contest to a shootout.

In it, goalkeeper Ayad Alwansi emerged as the hero, saving two spot-kicks to bag Libya bronze and seal their return to the Futsal World Cup.

[amenina]

AFC Futsal Asian Cup group stage standings (top two of each group advance to quarter-finals)











Quarter-finals
Wednesday

Tajikistan v Afghanistan
Kick-off: 14:00 (UTC+7)

IR Iran v Kyrgyz Republic
Kick-off: 16:00 (UTC+7)

Thailand v Iraq
Kick-off: 18:00 (UTC+7)

Uzbekistan v Vietnam
Kick-off: 21:00 (UTC+7)

Quarter-final winners qualify for World Cup. If Uzbekistan win their quarter-final, there will be knock-out play-offs among the four quarter-final losers to decide the last World Cup berth.

[amenina]

Bekmurodov, Fayzali thrust Tajikistan to maiden finals

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... an-qualify

In a battle of teams bidding to reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the first time, Tajikistan outlasted Afghanistan in extra time.

Tajikistan have reached their first FIFA Futsal World Cup

It will take place across their border in Uzbekistan

Pivot Fayzali Sardorov and coach Payrav Vohidov react

Tajikistan are heading to their maiden FIFA Futsal World Cup™. Fayzali Sardorov’s extra-time goal snatched a 2-1 victory over Afghanistan in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup quarter-finals, and ensured Central Asia will have three representatives when it stages a FIFA competition for the first time ever later this year. Uzbekistan qualified as hosts, while global force Kazakhstan joined them.

Afghanistan, who are bidding to participate at a first FIFA tournament since 1948, could be thrown a lifeline later today. If Uzbekistan overcome Vietnam in the last eight, Afghanistan will enter the four-nation play-offs for the continent’s last ticket to the global finals.

A fortuitous own-goal put Tajikistan ahead, but Farzad Mahmoodi equalised with a fierce strike. Thereafter, some outstanding goalkeeping from Firuz Bekmurodov kept the Tajiks in it, and when he got a chance, Sardorov took it with aplomb.

“Finally my dream has come true: competing in a FIFA Futsal World Cup,” Sardorov told FIFA. “The emotions are indescribable.

“It was a very difficult match against Afghanistan, but we achieved a historic victory. The game took a lot of energy out of us. For the first time in history, we made it to the semi-finals of the Asian Cup. Thank you all for your support!”

The result guarantees Tajikistan will eclipse their best-ever finish at the Futsal Asian Cup, which was reaching the last eight in 2007 and 2022. Pairav Vohidov’s team will now take on the Thailand-Iraq winners in the semi-finals.

Tajikistan have now qualified for a second FIFA competition, having appeared at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ in 2007 and 2019. They reached the knockout phase at the former, losing on penalties to Peru in the last 16.

“This was one of our most difficult matches in the tournament,” coach Vohidov told FIFA. “But we did it, beat Afghanistan and won a ticket to the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024!

“The emotions are the most unforgettable, since for the first time in history our futsal team will take part in the World Cup. I would like to thank all the players, the entire coaching staff, the Tajikistan Football Federation and our fans for this wonderful achievement.”

Tajikistan will join fellow debutants France and New Zealand at Uzbekistan 2024.


Magical Hassenzadeh helps Iran cruise to the big show

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... ic-qualify

IR Iran thrashed Kyrgyz Republic 6-1 to reach Uzbekistan 2024, with Ali Hassenzadeh and Mahdi Karimi dazzling.

IR Iran outmuscled Kyrgyz Republic to reach Uzbekistan 2024

They have now qualified for nine straight FIFA Futsal World Cups

Ali Hassenzadeh discusses wanting to make history

IR Iran clicked on their customary class to reach a ninth consecutive FIFA Futsal World Cup™. Ali Hassenzadeh as utterly unplayable in a 6-1 win in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup quarter-final, tormenting Kyrgyz Republic throughout, scoring and providing two assists.

Mahdi Karimi bagged a brace, while Behrooz Azimi, Salar Aghapour and Saeid Ahmadabbasi got the other goals for Vahid Shamsaei’s side.

“We are definitely happy to have qualified for the World Cup,.” Hassenzadeh told FIFA. “Advancing to the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan was our first goal of participating in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup.

“Now our goal in Uzbekistan is to try to achieve the best result in Iranian futsal history and be a big surprise in the upcoming World Cup, just like in the previous two World Cups, when we finished third once and were among the top eight teams once.”

Kyrgyz Republic must now hope Uzbekistan overcome Vietnam in the last eight. If they do, Lluis Bernat’s outfit will enter a four-nation play-off for Asia’s last ticket to the global finals, which kick off in September.

Iran have reached the knockout phase at the last three FIFA Futsal World Cups. They eliminated Brazil, in what was the immortal Falcao’s final appearance in the tournament, en route to finishing third in 2016.


Stunning comeback sends Thailand to Uzbekistan

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... aq-qualify

Thailand overcame a two-goal deficit and two red cards to down Iraq and reach a seventh straight FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Thailand secured a seventh straight FIFA Futsal World Cup qualification

Miguel Rodrigo's side overcame a two-goal deficit and two red cards

Iraq failed to secure a maiden berth at the global finals

Thailand produced a turnaround for the ages to qualify for a seventh straight FIFA Futsal World Cup™, defeating Iraq 3-2 in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup quarter-finals in Bangkok.

With Thailand Trailing by two goals late in the first half, in a contest where they had two players dismissed, including star man Muhammad Osamanmusa, the match was Iraq’s to lose. Yet lose it they did as a double from Alongkorn Janphon and a late strike from Therdsak Charoenphong sealed the famous win.

Iraq flew out of the blocks with Salim Faisal driving home inside the first three minutes, before a mistake from the hosts saw them double the lead. An errant pass from goalkeeper Arut Sembat, who had ventured up towards the halfway line, was intercepted by Tareq Zeyad, who calmly slotted into an empty next to make it 2-0 in the 15th minute.

Janphon reduced the arrears three minutes later, before Thailand had Apiwat Chaemcharoen sent off as Iraq went to the break with a 2-1 lead. Things went from bad to worse as Osamanmusa was also dismissed early in the second half, only for a second from Janphon midway through the half to square things up at 2-2.

Speaking pre-match, Thailand coach Miguel Rodrigo said that the hosts would be buoyed by the backing of a large and vocal crowd inside the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, and they fed off that energy to grab a late winner through Charoenphong in a famous night for Thai futsal.

“I always believed in my team-mates, I always believed we could do it,” Janphon told FIFA. “I’m so happy. I’m on top of the world that we’ve qualified for the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

“I had the opportunity to score two goals, but I have to pass on all my gratitude to my team-mates. We all help each other.”


Uzbekistan rally to ensure four-team fight for Asia’s final berth

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... -play-offs

Afghanistan, Iraq, Kyrgyz Republic and Vietnam will do battle for Asia’s remaining FIFA Futsal World Cup place after Uzbekistan won.

Uzbekistan reached the AFC Futsal Asian Cup semi-finals

Four nations will now do battle for one ticket to the global finals

Afghanistan, Iraq, Kyrgyz Republic and Vietnam are those sides

Uzbekistan rallied from behind to sink Vietnam and keep alive the FIFA Futsal World Cup™ qualifying hopes of Afghanistan, Iraq and Kyrgyz Republic.

Four-nation play-offs will now determine who claims Asia’s final ticket to the global finals. The winners of Iraq-Afghanistan and Vietnam-Kyrgyz Republic will collide for it on Sunday. IR Iran, Tajikistan and Thailand qualified for Uzbekistan 2024 earlier today.

After losing in the last eight, Afghanistan, Iraq and Kyrgyz Republic knew that a Vietnam victory would extinguish their chances. That looked on the cards when, after Uzbekistan failed to clear their lines in the 17th minute, Tu Minh Quang combined desire and perception to cut the ball back for Nguyen Thinh Phat, who slammed it home.

The White Wolves found an equaliser six minutes from time. Ilkhomjon Khamroev dinked a corner back to Ikhtiyor Ropiev, whose bouncing volley was glanced home via the head of Elbek Tulkinov.

The winner came with just 59 seconds remaining. Sunatulla Juraev controlled the ball impeccably, side-stepped his mark and snatched Uzbekistan an AFC Futsal Asian Cup semi-final place with a fizzing, low drive.

AFC Asian play-off semi-finals
Sunday
Iraq v Afghanistan
Vietnam v Kyrgyz Republic

AFC Futsal Asian Cup semi-finals
Sunday
Thailand v Tajikistan
Uzbekistan v IR Iran

[amenina]

AFC Futsal Asian Cup quarter-final results









Qualified teams (23 out of 24)
Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, France, Guatemala, IR Iran, Kazakhstan, Libya, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, Tajikistan, Thailand, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela.

Since Uzbekistan reach the AFC Futsal Asian Cup semi-finals, the final AFC berth will be decided by play-off among the losing quarter-finalists between 26-28 April.

The winners of Iraq-Afghanistan and Vietnam-Kyrgyz Republic will collide for Asia's last place at Uzbekistan 2024.

Playoffs

Iraq v Afghanistan
Venue: Mua Mark Indoor Stadium (Bangkok)
Kick-off: 14:00 (UTC+7)

Vietnam v Kyrgyz Republic
Venue: Bangkok Arena (Bangkok)
Kick-off: 16:00 (UTC+7)

[amenina]

The winners of Iraq-Afghanistan and Vietnam-Kyrgyz Republic will collide for Asia's last place at Uzbekistan 2024.

Playoffs

Iraq v Afghanistan
Venue: Mua Mark Indoor Stadium (Bangkok)
Kick-off: 14:00 (UTC+7)

Vietnam v Kyrgyz Republic
Venue: Bangkok Arena (Bangkok)
Kick-off: 16:00 (UTC+7)

Play-off semi-final results





Play-off final (winner qualifies for World Cup)

Afghanistan v Kyrgyz Republic
Venue: Bangkok Arena (Bangkok)
Kick-off: 12:00 (UTC+7)

This guarantees that four of Asia’s five World Cup representatives will be from Central Asia.

[amenina]

Underdogs Afghanistan complete World Cup field

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... -world-cup

Competing in their first ever AFC Futsal Asian Cup, Afghanistan have concluded a fairy-tale tournament by edging past the Kyrgyz Republic to reach the Futsal World Cup.

Four second-half goals guide Afghanistan to a 5-3 win

Qualify for the Futsal World Cup at the first time of asking

The final 24-strong field for Uzbekistan 2024 is now set

Unknown at continental level at the start of the month, Afghanistan have scripted one of the great futsal fairy-tales by reaching the global showpiece at the first time of asking.

Having raised eyebrows by pushing powerhouse Iran in their opening match and then progressing from the group, the Afghans were involved in a triple Central Asian tangle that ultimately saw them reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup™.

Defeat at the hands of Tajikistan in the first of the quarterfinals looked to have marked the end for the daring debutants only for World Cup hosts Uzbekistan to see off Vietnam in the last of the final eight match-ups to necessitate a playoff to determine the final slot at the sport’s showpiece event.

A 5-3 win against Iraq in the first round of the playoffs set up this winner-takes-all affair with a Kyrgyz Republic outfit also eyeing off a maiden World Cup berth.

Settling the better of the two teams, it was a ninth-minute Omid Qanbari effort that sent Afghanistan to the break with a narrow lead; one that they would double nine minutes after the re-start as an own goal from Mukhamed Askarbekov made it 2-0.

A frantic ten-minute period then produced six goals but with the Kyrgyz Republic always chasing the match, the Afghans never looked too troubled, with two late, long-range, goals from captain Mahdi Norowzi and Mehran Gholami capping off the impressive 5-3 win.

[amenina]

Qualifying round-up

AFC (5 berths)
Champions: IR Iran
Runners-up: Thailand
Third place: Uzbekistan
Fourth place: Tajikistan
Play-off winner: Afghanistan

CAF (3 berths)
Champions: Morocco
Runners-up: Angola
Third place: Libya

CONCACAF (4 berths)
Champions: Panama
Runners-up: Cuba
Third place: Guatemala
Fourth place: Costa Rica

CONMEBOL (4 berths)
Champions: Brazil
Runners-up: Argentina
Third place: Venezuela
Fourth place: Paraguay

OFC (1 berth)
Champions: New Zealand

UEFA (7 berths)
Elite round Group A winner: Kazakhstan
Elite round Group B winner: Ukraine
Elite round Group C winner: France
Elite round Group D winner: Spain
Elite round Group E winner: Portugal
Play-off winner: Netherlands
Play-off winner: Croatia

[amenina]

Field finalised for Uzbek futsal festival

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... ey-players

The 24-nation line-up for this year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup is set. See information on the teams and their key players.

The 24-team line-up for Uzbekistan 2024 is complete

See the countries' FIFA Futsal World Cup history

Who are their star players?

The stage is set for fireworks along the Silk Road! One-hundred-and-twenty nations attempted to join hosts Uzbekistan at this year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup™ and, after two years of dramatic qualifiers, the 24-team field, which will include four debutants, has been finalised. FIFA spotlights their competition history and key players.

Qualified teams
Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, France, Guatemala, IR Iran, Kazakhstan, Libya, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, Tajikistan, Thailand, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela.


Afghanistan
Coach: Majid Mortezaei
Key players: Mohammad Javad Safari, Akbar Kazemi, Mahdi Nowrozi
Nickname: Lions of Khorasan

World Cup history
Afghanistan have never participated in the competition.


Angola
Coach: Marcos Antunes
Key players: Braulio, Chico, Helber
Nickname: The Sable Antelopes

World Cup history
1 participation
0 wins
0 draws
3 losses
Heaviest defeat: Angola 4-8 Japan (2021)
Top scorer: Guga (3 goals)
Best finish: Group stage (2021)


Argentina
Coach: Matias Lucuix
Key players: Nico Sarmiento, Lucas Tripodi, Kiki Vaporaki
Nickname: La Albiceleste

World Cup history
9 participations
30 wins
7 draws
18 losses
Biggest win: Argentina 11-0 USA (2021)
Heaviest defeat: Russia 7-1 Argentina (2000)
Top scorer: Cristian Borruto (13 goals)
Best finish: Champions (2016)


Brazil
Coach: Marquinhos Xavier
Key players: Dyego, Leandro Lino, Pito
Nickname: A Seleção

World Cup history
9 participations
57 wins
6 draws
4 losses
Biggest win: Guatemala 2-29 Brazil (2000)
Heaviest defeat: Brazil 3-5 USA (1989)
Top scorer: Falcao (48 goals)
Best finish: Champions (1989, 1992, 1996, 2008, 2012)


Costa Rica
Coach: Alex Ramos
Key players: Minor Cabalceta, Diego Chavarria, Milinton Tijerino
Nickname: La Sele, Los Ticos

World Cup history
5 participations
4 wins
1 draws
11 losses
Biggest win: Australia 2-6 Costa Rica (2000), Costa Rica 6-2 Lithuania (2021)
Heaviest defeat: Brazil 15-1 Costa Rica (1992)
Top scorer: Edin Cubillo, Diego Solis (5 goals)
Best finish: Last 16 (2016)


Croatia
Coach: Marinko Mavrovic
Key players: Franco Jelovcic, Dario Marinovic, Luka Peric
Nickname: The Mini Blazers

World Cup history
1 participation
3 wins
0 draws
3 losses
Biggest win: Croatia 6-0 Australia (2000)
Heaviest defeat: Spain 5-0 Croatia (2000)
Top scorer: Robert Grdovic (5 goals)
Best finish: Second group stage (2000)


Cuba
Coach: Osmel Valdivia
Key players: Jonathan Hernandez, Iduan Martinez, Kevin Rueda
Nickname: Lions of the Caribbean

World Cup history
5 participations
1 win
0 draws
15 losses
Biggest win: Cuba 10-2 Solomon Islands (2008)
Heaviest defeat: Cuba 0-18 Brazil (1996)
Top scorer: Eduardo Morales (5 goals)
Best finish: Group stage


France
Coach: Raphael Reynaud
Key players: Abdessamad Mohammed, Souheil Mouhoudine, Mamadou Toure
Nickname: Les Bleus

World Cup history
France have never participated in the competition.


Guatemala
Coach: Eduardo Estrada
Key players: Roberto Alvarado, Patrick Ruiz, Marvin Sandoval
Nickname: La Azul y Blanco

World Cup history
5 participations
5 wins
0 draws
11 losses
Biggest win: China PR 1-10 Guatemala
Heaviest defeat: Guatemala 2-29 Brazil
Top scorer: Erick Acevedo (5 goals)
Best finish: Group stage


IR Iran
Coach: Vahid Shamsaei
Key players: Asghar Hassanzadeh, Moslem Oladghobad, Hossein Tayyebi
Nickname: Team Melli

World Cup history
8 participations
19 wins
6 draws
15 losses
Biggest win: IR Iran 7-1 Cuba (1996)
Heaviest defeat: Brazil 8-3 IR Iran (1996)
Top scorer: Saeid Rajabi Shirazi (16 goals)
Best finish: Third place (2016)


Kazakhstan
Coach: Kaka
Key players: Douglas Junior, Leo Higuita, Taynan
Nickname: The Hawks

World Cup history
3 participations
6 wins
2 draws
6 losses
Biggest win: Kazakhstan 10-0 Solomon Islands (2016)
Heaviest defeat: Brazil 12-1 Kazazhstan (2000)
Top scorer: Douglas Junior (7 goals)
Best finish: Semi-finals (2021)


Libya
Coach: Ricardo Iniguez
Key players: Mahmoud Abd Elwahab, Mohamed Said, Ali Shoshan
Nickname: Mediterranean Knights

World Cup history
2 participations
0 wins
1 draw
6 losses
Heaviest defeat: Brazil 13-0 Libya (2012)
Top scorer: Mohamed Rahoma (5 goals)
Best finish: Group stage


Morocco
Coach: Hicham Dguig
Key players: Bilal Bakkali, Soufian Charraoui, Soufiane El-Mesrar
Nickname: The Atlas Lions

World Cup history
3 participations
2 wins
2 draws
7 losses
Biggest win: Morocco 6-0 Solomon Islands (2021)
Heaviest defeat: Panama 8-3 Morocco (2012)
Top scorer: Adil Habil (5 goals)
Best finish: Quarter-finals (2021)


Netherlands
Coach: Marcos Antunes
Key players: Ayoub Boukhari, Manuel Kuijk, Karim Mossaoui
Nickname: La Machina Naranja

World Cup history
4 participations
12 wins
5 draws
9 losses
Biggest win: Netherlands 6-1 Thailand (2000)
Heaviest defeat: Netherlands 0-7 Spain (2000)
Top scorer: Henny Lettinck (15 goals)
Best finish: Runners-up (1989)


New Zealand
Coach: Marvin Eakins
Key players: Jordi Ditfort, Hamish Grey, Dylan Manickum
Nickname: Futsal Whites

World Cup history
New Zealand have never participated in the competition.


Panama
Coach: Alex Del Rosario
Key players: Alfonso Maquensi, Abdiel Ortiz, Jaime Penaloza
Nickname: Los Canaleros

World Cup history
3 participations
2 wins
0 draws
8 losses
Biggest win: Panama 8-3 Morocco (2012)
Heaviest defeat: Brazil 16-0 Panama (2012)
Top scorer: Abdiel Castrellon, Fernando Mena (4 goals)
Best finish: Last 16 (2012)


Paraguay
Coach: Carlos Chilavert
Key players: Damian Mareco, Alan Rojas, Javier Salas
Nickname: La Albirroja, Los Guaraníes

World Cup history
7 participations
12 wins
5 draws
15 losses
Biggest win: Thailand 0-8 Paraguay
Heaviest defeat: Argentina 6-1 Paraguay (2021)
Top scorer: Rene Illalba (11 goals)
Best finish: Quarter-finals (2016)


Portugal
Coach: Jorge Braz
Key players: Andre Coelho, Zicky Te, Pany Varela
Nickname: A Seleção das Quinas

World Cup history
6 participations
22 wins
6 draws
9 losses
Biggest win: Panama 0-9 Portugal (2016)
Heaviest defeat: Brazil 8-0 Portugal (2000)
Top scorer: Ricardinho (22 goals)
Best finish: Champions (2021)


Spain
Coach: Fede Vidal
Key players: Chino, Adolfo Fernandez, Miguel Mellado
Nickname: La Roja

World Cup history
9 participations
48 wins
5 draws
8 losses
Biggest win: Chinese Taipei 0-10 Spain (2004)
Heaviest defeat: Russia 6-2 Spain (2016)
Top scorer: Javi Rodriguez (18 goals)
Best finish: Champions (2000 & 2004)


Tajikistan
Coach: Pairav Vohidov
Key players: Firuz Bekmurodov, Dilshod Salomov, Fayzali Sardorov
Nickname: The Persian Lions

World Cup history
Tajikistan have never participated in the competition.


Thailand
Coach: Miguel Rodrigo
Key players: Muhammad Osamanmusa, Arut Senbat, Suphawut Thueanklang
Nickname: War Elephants

World Cup history
6 participations
6 wins
1 draws
15 losses
Biggest win: Solomon Islands 4-9 Thailand (2021)
Heaviest defeat: Brazil 9-1 Thailand (2004), Thailand 0-8 Paraguay (2008)
Top scorer: Suphawut Thueanklang (12 goals)
Best finish: Last 16 (2012, 2016, 2021)


Ukraine
Coach: Oleksandr Kosenko
Key players: Ihor Korsun, Petro Shoturma, Nazar Shved
Nickname: Yellow-Blues

World Cup history
5 participations
14 wins
5 draws
11 losses
Biggest win: Australia 2-11 Ukraine (1996)
Heaviest defeat: Brazil 6-0 Ukraine (2004)
Top scorer: Oleksandre Moskaliuk (10 goals)
Best finish: Semi-finals (1996)


Uzbekistan
Coach: Jose Venancio Lopez
Key players: Davron Choriev, Ilkhomjon Khamroev, Khusniddin Nishonov
Nickname: White Wolves

World Cup history
2 participations
1 win
1 draw
5 losses
Biggest win: Egypt 1-2 Uzbekistan (2021)
Heaviest defeat: Portugal 5-1 Uzbekistan (2016)
Top scorer: Ikhtiyor Ropiev (4 goals)
Best finish: Last 16 (2021)


Venezuela
Coach: Robinson Romero
Key players: Kevin Briceno, Wilmer Cabarcas, Jean Trujillo
Nickname: La Vinotinto

World Cup history
1 participation
2 wins
1 draw
1 loss
Biggest win: Lithuania 1-2 Venezuela (2021), Costa Rica 0-1 Venezuela (2021)
Heaviest defeat: Venezuela 2-3 Morocco
Top scorer: Alfredo Vidal (2 goals)
Best finish: Last 16 (2021)