The semifinal stage of the Mini-Football World Cup in Baku is set to unfold, bringing the tournament one step closer to crowning a new champion.
As Idman.biz reports, only four of the 32 competing nations remain in the title race — each carrying its own storyline into the final stretch.
Back-to-back semifinals for Azerbaijan
Team Azerbaijan has made it to the semifinals for the second consecutive World Cup. After reaching this stage in their debut appearance two years ago in the UAE, Elshad Guliyev’s squad missed out on a podium finish, placing fourth. Now, playing on home turf, the team is more determined than ever to secure a medal.
Historic achievement for Montenegro
Montenegro’s trip to Azerbaijan has already turned into a historic milestone. The Balkan side has reached the semifinals for the first time ever. In their only previous appearance, they were knocked out in the Round of 16. Today, they stand just one win away from a medal, playing at the National Gymnastics Arena.
If the Czech Republic reaches the semifinals...
Among the remaining contenders, the Czech Republic is the most experienced team. They are the only semifinalist to have participated in every edition of the World Cup. Despite this consistency, they’ve made it past the quarterfinals only once — in 2017, when they went on to become champions. Now, they are in the semifinals for a second time, aiming to repeat history.
Hungary ties a record in Baku
Hungary has equaled a World Cup record by reaching the semifinals for the third time. Although they didn’t compete in 2015, they made the final four in both 2019 (finishing 4th) and 2023 (earning bronze). Despite never advancing to the final, they now match Mexico and Romania for the most semifinal appearances.
The semifinal matches of the 2025 Mini-Football World Cup will be played later today in Baku.
Vugar Kheyrullayev
Idman.biz
