The WMF World Cup 2025, currently underway in Baku, has reached the quarterfinal stage, with the top eight teams now confirmed, Idman.biz reports.
Back-to-back success for Azerbaijan
This is only the second appearance for the Azerbaijani national team in the tournament. After reaching the semifinals in their debut at WC 2023 and finishing 4th, the squad has once again made it to the quarterfinals, proving they are no longer just newcomers.
Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro break new ground
Just like Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina are making their second appearance — and it’s historic. After a Round of 16 exit in 2017, they’ve now surpassed that stage in Baku.
Another team from the former Yugoslavia, Montenegro, has also rewritten its history by reaching the top eight after falling in the Round of 16 in 2023.
Czech Republic: Quarterfinal regulars
Czechia, the most experienced team left in the tournament, has never exited before the quarterfinal stage. Champions of DWC 2017, the Czechs have reached at least the quarterfinals in every edition and fell just short of the semis in 2015, 2019, and 2023.
England’s steady progress
This is England’s third World Cup campaign. After failing to pass the group stage in 2019 and stumbling in the Round of 16 in 2023, they’ve now made a historic leap into the quarterfinals for the first time.
Hungary’s quest for a third straight semifinal
Hungary, like the Czech Republic, has reached at least the quarterfinals in every edition they’ve joined. While they missed the inaugural tournament, Hungary finished 4th in 2019 and 3rd in 2023. A third consecutive semifinal is within reach.
Serbia’s surprise rise
A seasoned participant in the mini-football World Cup, Serbia has never been seen as a true contender — until now. Previously knocked out in the group stage in 2015 and 2023, and once in the Round of 16 (2019), the team is now in the quarterfinals for the first time ever.
Mauritania: The Debutant shaking things up
Among the eight quarterfinalists, Mauritania is the only non-European team and the only debutant. Defying expectations, the African nation has marched through the competition and now stands just one step away from a semifinal spot.
The quarterfinal matches of DWC 2025 will be played today in Baku.
Vugar Kheyrullayev
Idman.biz
