Introduction

The 2025 World Minifootball Federation (WMF) World Cup, held from May 21 to June 1 in Baku, Azerbaijan, represents the sport’s fifth global showcase. Featuring 32 national teams from five confederations, the tournament is staged entirely at the National Gymnastics Arena. This event highlights six-a-side competition over 50-minute matches, combining rapid transitions, tactical discipline, and high-scoring opportunities. Defending champions Romania, European powerhouses, rising African squads, and debutant nations all converge for eleven days of exhilarating minifootball action.

Venue and Host

Azerbaijan secured hosting rights in May 2024 and transformed the National Gymnastics Arena into a minifootball showcase with an intimate 9,000-spectator layout. The single-venue approach fosters a festival atmosphere, ensuring consistent playing surfaces, fan engagement across all matches, and logistical ease for teams and organizers.

Tournament Format

Thirty-two teams are divided into eight groups of four. In the round-robin group stage, each team plays three matches, earning three points for a win and one for a draw. The top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 16, followed by single-elimination knockout rounds culminating in the semifinals, third-place playoff, and the final.

Group Stage Schedule

• May 21–26: Groups A–H compete in round-robin matches.
• May 28: Round of 16 begins.
• May 29–30: Quarter-finals.
• May 31: Semi-finals and third-place playoff.
• June 1: Final.

Team Profiles

Azerbaijan (Host): Fresh off a fourth-place finish in 2023, Azerbaijan blends experienced defenders with creative midfielders.

Indonesia (Debutant): Making their first appearance, Indonesia relies on pace and unpredictability . Their passionate fan base provides a vibrant atmosphere.

Mauritania (Debutant): Known for athleticism, Mauritania brings raw energy.

Bahrain (Debutant): Drawing on beach soccer success, Bahrain emphasizes technical flair.

Romania (Defending Champions): Romania returns with a possession-oriented style. Their technical midfield and clinical finishing make them title contenders.

Serbia: European Minifootball champions, Serbia employ high pressing and tactical flexibility under coach Aleksandar Kolarov. A blend of indoor veterans and upcoming talent seek to advance beyond past Round of 16 exits.

Costa Rica: Experience in indoor football gives them an edge in tight matches.

Uzbekistan: After successive quarter-final runs in Asian qualifiers, Uzbekistan’s disciplined 4-5-1 setup is led by good midfielders.

Hungary: Bronze medalists in 2023, Hungary demonstrate set-piece excellence and collective defending.

France: Combining futsal discipline with outdoor flair.

Chad (Debutant): Chad’s physicality and speed characterize their play.

India: India’s passionate supporters and emerging domestic league produce talents.

Czech Republic: 2017 champions, the Czechs mix seasoned campaigners with youthful flair.

Spain: With a tradition of technical mastery, Spain fields a possession-based system.

Ghana: African qualifiers’ runners-up.

Bolivia (Debutant): Making their tournament debut, Bolivia’s fluid attacking style leverages altitude-honed stamina.

Slovakia: Quarter-finalists in the past two editions.

Portugal: Two-time European champions.

Peru: Peru’s technical approach and midfield creativity make them a good competitor.

United Arab Emirates: As Asia’s emerging force, the UAE leverage futsal experience and disciplined training.

Kazakhstan: Fresh from a runner-up finish in 2023, Kazakhstan’s physical presence and set-piece threat are one to watch out for.

United States: Inaugural champions, the U.S. combine arena soccer athleticism with transitional football.

Poland: Quarter-finalists in 2023.

England: England relies on structured play and physical wingers.

Bulgaria: After a surprise quarter-final run in 2023.

Ukraine: With a reputation for resolute defending and counter-attacking.

Argentina: Debutant status belies Argentina’s pedigree.

Thailand: As Southeast Asian champions, Thailand bring speed, stamina, and technical skill.

Slovenia: After an experience-building debut in 2023, Slovenia returns with enhanced tactical understanding under coach Matjaž Kek and industrious midfielders.

Turkey: Four-time regional champions.

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Known for gritty performances.

Israel :

Georgia :

Conclusion

The 2025 WMF World Cup in Baku unites established champions, European stalwarts, African upstarts, and South American flair. From Group A’s debutant drama to Group H’s tactical battles, the tournament promises over 50 high-octane matches. As teams vie for minifootball supremacy, fans worldwide can expect a blend of skill, speed, strategy, and spectacle. Whether Romania defends its crown or a new power emerges, Baku’s festival of minifootball will leave an indelible mark on the sport’s history.