Atlas Lions Futsal Team Gears Up for Group Clashes in Tashkent
The stage is set for the Moroccan national futsal team, the Atlas Lions, as they embark on their quest for glory at the FIFA Futsal World Cup, scheduled from September 14 to October 6 in Uzbekistan. Drawn into Group E, Hicham Dguig's men will face off against Tajikistan (September 16), Panama (September 19), and Portugal (September 22), with all three matches taking place at the Humo Arena in Tashkent.
As reigning three-time African champions, the Atlas Lions futsal team is no stranger to the world stage. They are gearing up for their fourth appearance at the global futsal showpiece. Under the watchful eye of Hicham Dguig, the Moroccans are poised to make their mark in Group E.
FIFA unveiled the complete competition schedule on Friday, with the tournament unfolding across various cities in Uzbekistan. The Moroccan squad will kick off their campaign two days after the opening, locking horns with Tajikistan on September 16 at the Humo Arena in the capital city of Tashkent. Three days later, the Atlas Lions will face Panama on the same turf. Rounding off the group stage, Hicham El Mesrar and his teammates will face a stern test against Portugal on September 22, once again in Tashkent.
The Futsal World Cup commences with four matches on the opening day, including the curtain-raiser between hosts Uzbekistan and the Netherlands. The group stage will continue until September 22, followed by the round of 16 (September 24-27), quarterfinals (September 29-30), and semifinals (October 2-3). Tashkent will host the third-place playoff and the grand finale on October 6.
After reaching the quarterfinals in 2021 in Lithuania, the Moroccan national team harbors ambitions of becoming the first African side to secure a semi-final berth at the Futsal World Cup. With their eyes set on history, the Atlas Lions are ready to roar on the global stage, bringing their trademark flair and determination to the futsal pitch.