Group A: Philippines, Poland, Morocco, Argentina
Group B: Spain, Thailand, Colombia, Canada
Group C: Portugal, Tanzania, Japan, New Zealand
Group D: Brazil, IR Iran, Italy, Panama
Spain, Thailand, Colombia and Canada will complete an engrossing group at the first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup™. Brazil, IR Iran, Italy and Panama will form another pool featuring three of the top 10 teams on the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Ranking, while hosts Philippines avoided the sport’s titans. Portugal and Japan will be expected to advance from their section.
The draw, which took place at the BGC Arts Center in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, was presented by Mara Aquino and FIFA Head of Olympics, Futsal and Beach Soccer, Kasra Haghighi. Futsal legend Falcao, Croatia coach Tihana Nemcic, Hali Long, who represented Philippines at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup™, and volleyball player Vanie Gandler acted as draw assistants.
Brazil-Italy is arguably the most intriguing fixture of the first phase. Multiple Azzurre players were born in Brazil, including Renata Adamatti, who is widely regarded as one of the best players on the planet, while several Seleção stars have played in Italy.
The sport’s poster girl, eight-time Best Women’s Player Amandinha, will use her otherworldly skills to aid Brazil’s title tilt. Camila, Debora Vanin and Emilly are also part of Wilson Saboia’s star-stacked squad.
Iran, who boast the outstanding Maral Torkaman, will also be confident of going through. Panama will be the outsiders but in Kenia Rangel, they have an ace capable of decrypting any team.
“I think Brazil will get through,” said Falcao. “I think Brazil will get through comfortably, although it’s the World Cup and there’ll be surprises. I’m sure it’s going to be a great show.”
Spain, Thailand and Colombia are ranked second, fourth and eighth in the world. Spanish selector Claudia Pons has magnificent players like the Cordoba twins, Peque and Irene Samper at her disposal, while Thai coach Thanatorn Santanaprasit counts of the great Nattamon Artkla. Twenty-year-old phenomenon Nicole Mancilla will be central to the Colombians’ challenge, with Canadian hopes resting on Esther Brossard’s genius.
The first group is also wide open. Luciana Natta, Becha Nunez and Argentina will be the favourites, but they know it won’t be easy. Dionesa Tolentin and Philippines will begin their quest to reach the knockout phase against thrill machine Agata Bala and Poland, while the Jasmine Demraoui-inspired Morocco have made huge strides.
Portugal and Japan are the firm favourites to progress from Group D. Luis Conceicao can count on elite performers Ana Catarina Pereira, Fifo and Janice Silva, while Takehiro Suga has the brilliant Ryo Egawa at his disposal. New Zealand and Tanzania will look to upset the odds.
Futsal is one of the fastest-growing and most electrifying sports on the planet. It is stacked with ankle-breakers, elastic dribbles, lambretas, goalscoring goalkeepers, golazos, implausible comebacks and buzzer-beaters.
The first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup will take place from 21 November to 7 December in Pasig City, Metropolitan Manila.
