Aotearoa New Zealand’s Futsal Whites have been drawn to face two-time champions Spain (FIFA rank 3), 2021 semi-finalists Kazakhstan (FIFA rank 8) and African qualifiers Libya (FIFA rank 50) at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024, set to take place in Uzbekistan between 14 September and 6 October. 

The tournament will be Aotearoa New Zealand’s first ever appearance at the FIFA Futsal World Cup following their historic OFC Nations Cup win on home soil last year. 

Futsal Whites head coach Marvin Eakins is eager to continue his work with the team as they build towards the tournament now knowing the opposition they will face:

“It’s very exciting to now know our group stage opponents, three tough games but we are confident we can be competitive. 

“Spain are former world champions and will be a big test, Kazakhstan are a top ten team with some incredible players, and Libya are currently one of the best teams in Africa, but we have shown we can compete with sides at this level. 

“We want to be playing against the best teams in the world and this is an incredible opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s ability on the global stage.”

Futsal Whites player Hamish Grey is looking forward to the challenge the group brings, especially playing Spain, the country in which he plays his club futsal: 

“I think it’s going to be a very exciting and competitive group. 

“You have Spain, who have already won the World Cup twice; Kazakhstan, who have done very well historically; Libya, who are one of the strongest teams in Africa; and us, who are going to be adding a different dynamic to the group since it’s our first appearance at the World Cup. 

“We know every game is going to be tough, but we’ll be as well prepared as possible. We’re looking forward to getting stuck in.”

The Futsal Whites are looking to create history at the tournament by being New Zealand’s first senior national team to progress out of the group stage of a World Cup.

24 nations will compete at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024, with the top two teams in each group, alongside the four best third-placed teams, progressing to the Round of 16.

FIXTURE DETAILS

FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 – Group D

New Zealand vs Libya
Monday, 16 September | 12:30am (NZT)
Sunday, 15 September | 4:30pm (Local) 
Andijan Universal Sports Complex, Andijan, Uzbekistan

New Zealand vs Spain
Thursday, 19 September | 3:00am (NZT)
Wednesday, 18 September | 7pm (Local)
Andijan Universal Sports Complex, Andijan, Uzbekistan

New Zealand vs Kazakhstan
Sunday, 22 September | 12:30am (NZT)
Saturday, 21 September | 4:30pm (Local)
Humo Arena, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

View key information on the tournament and the full match schedule at FIFA.com.


Article added: Monday 27 May 2024