“In our group, we have some of the most outstanding teams in the world right now,” said Jorge Braz, Portugal’s national team coach, after his team was placed in Group E alongside Panama, Tajikistan, and Morocco in the 2024 World Cup draw held on Sunday. Portugal, the defending champions and current runners-up in the new FIFA ranking, will face these teams in the group stage.
Starting with Panama, ranked 44th by FIFA, the CONCACAF team recently claimed their first continental title by defeating Cuba in the 2024 CONCACAF Futsal Championship final. This will be Panama’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance. Reflecting on their past encounter, where Portugal defeated Panama 9-0 in the 2016 World Cup group stage, Braz noted, “Panama won CONCACAF this year and has significantly improved since we last faced them.”
Portugal’s first match on September 16 will be against Panama, followed by a game against Tajikistan, which is making its World Cup debut. Tajikistan, ranked 34th, secured their place by finishing third in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup. “Tajikistan was the surprise team of the Asian Cup, showcasing impressive quality,” Braz remarked.
The group stage’s most formidable opponent for Portugal is Morocco, currently ranked 6th by FIFA.
Morocco has gained recognition for their dynamic and effective style of play, winning their third consecutive African Cup of Nations (CAN) title and competing in their fourth consecutive World Cup. In the previous World Cup, Morocco advanced to the knockout stage for the first time, only to be eliminated by Brazil. “Morocco has established itself as a powerhouse. They play at an impressive level and are a significant challenge,” Braz commented.
Portugal’s match against Morocco is scheduled for September 22. Reflecting on the group’s composition, Braz said, “Our group features some of the emerging futsal teams globally. We must focus on our performance, as we are in a very challenging group with opponents who play freely and confidently.”
The 2024 World Cup will take place in Uzbekistan from September 14 to October 6. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. Portugal’s group winner will face the runner-up from the group that includes Spain and Kazakhstan.
