Uzbekistan Ready for Liftoff: Historic FIFA Futsal World Cup Kicks Off

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN – Saturday, September 14, 2024 – The countdown is over. The FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024 is officially underway, marking a seismic moment for the sport as the first-ever FIFA tournament to be hosted in the Central Asian region.

The event is the culmination of years of preparation and investment, with the host nation focused on delivering a lasting legacy that will benefit futsal for generations.

Legacy and Infrastructure: The FIFA Forward Investment

Mukhammad Sodik Sadik-Akhunov, the project manager for the Uzbekistan World Cup committee, confirmed the country is “well prepared,” pointing to significant infrastructure improvements.

“Uzbekistan has invested in modernizing and expanding its sporting infrastructure, including state-of-the-art futsal arenas and training facilities,” Sadik-Akhunov stated. He noted that these investments, supported by FIFA’s Forward 1.0 and 2.0 programmes, ensure that facilities like the UFA Technical Centre in Tashkent will be utilized for future competitions and grassroots development.

The UFA intends to leave a legacy of “enhanced futsal infrastructure, increased grassroots participation, and heightened awareness of the sport,” establishing a robust framework for its future prominence.

The Host’s Aspirations and Debutants

The tournament, which runs through Sunday, October 6, features 24 teams vying for the global title, currently held by reigning champions, Portugal.

The hosts are aiming high, with Sadik-Akhunov expressing the team’s aspiration to “go as far as we possibly can in the tournament” and “showcase Uzbekistan’s talent on the global stage.”

This edition is notable for the inclusion of four debutant nations: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, New Zealand, and France. Among them, Afghanistan’s fans are highly anticipating their country’s first-ever match against Angola, scheduled for Sunday, September 15.

The opening day fixture for the hosts sees Uzbekistan take on the Netherlands in a crucial Group A encounter. Also on Saturday, Paraguay meets Costa Rica and Cuba faces five-time champions Brazil as the global festival of futsal gets into full swing across the host cities of Tashkent, Bukhara, and Andijan.