The Minifootball World Cup officially kicks off today in Baku.
The tournament, hosted at the National Gymnastics Arena, brings together 32 teams battling for the championship title, Idman.biz reports.
As the host nation, Azerbaijan is considered one of the favorites, especially after securing 4th place in its debut appearance two years ago. This time, the national team begins the competition with even greater goals.
Hosting the World Cup itself is a major achievement, and organizers have made serious preparations to ensure a high-level tournament, Idman.biz reports.
Azerbaijan has a long history of organizing top-tier international sports events, and this championship could become one of the most memorable ones yet. It's worth noting that this is only the fifth edition of the Minifootball World Cup. While Romania holds the current title, previous champions include the USA, Czech Republic, and Mexico. Now, a new chapter in minifootball history will be written in Baku, with an exciting start already underway.
Team Azerbaijan enters the home World Cup with great hope. The squad has already achieved significant international success, winning the European Championship in 2022 and finishing 4th in their first World Cup appearance. This time, the goal is to at least make the podium and ideally delight local fans with a standout performance.
Head coach Elshad Guliyev emphasized before the tournament that the team is mentally prepared:
"All players feel the responsibility, and you will see it on the pitch. Winning is not our only objective, but everyone will give their best."
Naturally, which team wouldn't dream of becoming world champion? Azerbaijan captain Elvin Alizada certainly doesn't hide his ambition. Already a European champion with the national team and a Minifootball Champions League winner with Beerbasha, Alizada is ready to lead his side once again.
Azerbaijan begins its World Cup campaign today against Bahrain. Other group stage opponents include Slovenia (May 23) and Mauritania (May 25). The top two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, the tournament's opening matches were low-scoring. France beat Chad with a lone goal (1–0), while Hungary and Turkiye played to a 1–1 draw.
Zaki Feyzullayev
Idman.biz
