Africa’s three representatives at the upcoming FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan face challenging groups for the 24-team tournament.
Morocco, Libya, and Angola have been grouped in their first-round opponents at the official draw held at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Registan Square in Samarkand. Morocco will compete in a tough Group E against defending champions Portugal, Panama, and Tajikistan. Although Morocco avoided futsal heavyweights Brazil, Spain, and Argentina, facing Portugal will still be a significant challenge.
Libya is placed in Group D, where they must contend with Spain, the champions of the last two editions in 2016 and 2020, along with Kazakhstan and debutants, New Zealand. Angola, making their third World Cup appearance, will face record five-time champions, Argentina, Ukraine, and debutants, Afghanistan, in Group C.
Hosts, Uzbekistan are joined by the Netherlands, Paraguay, and Costa Rica in Group A. Brazil will face Cuba, Croatia, and Thailand in Group B. Group F consists of Iran, Venezuela, Guatemala, and France.
For the African sides, advancing to the knockout stages will be a significant challenge as they aim to surpass the continent’s best-ever showing—Egypt reaching the quarter-finals in 2016. All eyes will be on Morocco’s Lions, ranked 14th in the world, to lead Africa’s futsal teams and attempt a deep run in the tournament.
The tournament kicks off on September 14, with the final scheduled for September 28 in the capital, Tashkent.
Groups:
- Group A: Uzbekistan, Netherlands, Paraguay, Costa Rica
- Group B: Brazil, Cuba, Croatia, Thailand
- Group C: Argentina, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Angola
- Group D: Spain, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Libya
- Group E: Portugal, Panama, Tajikistan, Morocco
- Group F: IR Iran, Venezuela, Guatemala, France
