Futsal World Cup: African Sides Enter Race for Lithuania Places (FIFA)

Zurich - For only the third time since it was first staged in 1989, the Futsal World Cup will feature three African teams at its 2020 edition, FIFA said on its website. Prior to the 2012 edition, CAF had been allocated just one (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004) or two (1989, 2008) berths, it added, noting that the three teams who will fly the flag for the Mother Continent at the next edition in Lithuania will be decided at the upcoming CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations.

The regional qualifying event "promises to be a particularly competitive tournament, featuring the winners of the five editions held so far: Egypt (3 titles), Libya (1) and Morocco (1)," FIFA pointed out. The tournament will be held from January 28 to February 7, 2020, in the city of Laayoune.

Eight teams were divided into two groups of four. The top two from each group qualify for the semi-finals. Egypt are the most successful team at regional level, having been crowned African champions in 1996, 2000 and 2004, and been runners-up in 2008 and 2016. In five editions held to date, the Pharaohs have never missed a final.

Morocco are the reigning champions, with that long-awaited triumph coming after two third places (2004, 2008) and a runners-up spot (2000). Libya complete the winners’ circle with one title (2008) and one third-place finish (2000). Three teams will be making their tournament debut at Morocco 2020: Guinea, Equatorial Guinea and Mauritius.