The iconic Registan Square in Samarkand. Which UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site in 2021, will host FIFA’s official draw for the tenth edition of the World Cup on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. This event will determine the matchups for the tournament set to take place in Uzbekistan from September 14 to October 6. Spain will learn its opponents as they aim to reclaim global dominance. Similar to the 2021 draw in Zurich for the Lithuanian World Cup. Kike Boned will once again play a key role in determining the fate of the 24 participating teams. Which will be divided into six groups of four. Invited by FIFA for his status as an international futsal ambassador, Boned will be joined by former footballers Server Djeparov of Uzbekistan and Louis Saha of France.
Following FIFA’s release of the first national team rankings, Spain, ranked third, will be a top seed along with Brazil, Portugal, Iran, Argentina, and host Uzbekistan, managed by José Venancio López.
Spain’s preparation for the World Cup will start on July 25, with matches held in Tashkent, Andijan, and Bukhara. The six groups will each feature one team from four different pots. Spain, Uzbekistan, defending champion Portugal, five-time champion Brazil, Argentina, and Iran will be in pot 1. Pot 2 includes Morocco, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Paraguay, Panama, and Thailand. Pot 3 comprises Libya, Cuba, Guatemala, Venezuela, New Zealand, and Costa Rica, while pot 4 includes France, Croatia, Afghanistan, the Netherlands, Tajikistan, and Angola. Croatia and the Netherlands are returning to the World Cup after nearly 25 years. While France, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Oceania champion New Zealand will make their debuts.
Spain’s two-time World Champion and executive vice president of ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida FS will again represent Spanish futsal at this first FIFA event in Central Asia. Coach Fede Vidal and international futsal secretary Javier Orol will also attend the draw in Samarkand. The official tournament image is inspired by kalampir peppers, a key ingredient in many traditional Uzbek dishes. The draw promises to be spectacular. Set in one of the most stunning locations on the ancient Silk Road. Framed by three madrasas adorned with spectacular mosaics in the heart of medieval Samarkand. “The Uzbekistan Futsal World Cup 2024 will not only be a historic milestone for futsal. But also for this remarkable region with so much to offer both teams and fans,” said Spanish Jaime Yarza, director of FIFA’s Tournament Subdivision, who will co-host the draw with journalist Davron Fayziyev.