The 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup will be the ninth FIFA Futsal World Cup, the quadrennial international futsal championship contested by the men's national teams of the member associations of FIFA. The tournament will be held in Lithuania.[1] It will mark the first FIFA tournament ever hosted by Lithuania and the first Futsal World Cup in Europe since 1996, which was held in Spain.
The tournament was originally scheduled to be held from 12 September to 4 October 2020 as the 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup.[2] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FIFA announced on 3 April 2020 that a decision would be made whether the tournament would be postponed and rescheduled.[3] On 12 May 2020, FIFA announced that the tournament will be held between 12 September – 3 October 2021, subject to further monitoring.[4][5]
The following countries bid for the tournament:[6]
Costa Rica
Croatia
Iran
Japan
Kazakhstan
Lithuania
New Zealand
United Arab Emirates
The eight bidders represent the highest ever for the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Since none of these countries have ever hosted the event before, the tournament will be heading to a new location, later shortlisted to four. The Czech Republic, Egypt, Georgia, the Netherlands, and the United States expressed interest, but eventually did not bid.[7][8]
The host were originally to be appointed by December 2016,[9] then delayed to December 2017.[10] Costa Rica, Croatia, Kazakhstan, and the United Arab Emirates were later eliminated from contention.
The hosts were selected by the FIFA Council on 26 October 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda from the final four candidates: Iran, Japan, Lithuania, and New Zealand.[11] Lithuania was chosen over Iran, Japan and New Zealand as host for the 2020 edition.
Qualification
A total of 24 teams qualify for the final tournament, In addition to Lithuania who qualifies automatically as host, 23 other teams qualify from six separate continental competitions. The slot allocation was approved by the FIFA Council on 10 June 2018.[12]
The emblem highlights two of Lithuania's proudest features: its natural resources and technological expertise. The base of the emblem represents the country's lush, green landscape, decorated with oak leaves. A symbol of strength, the native oak has been venerated in Lithuania for centuries. Following the lines of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Trophy, oaks give way to farmland and meadows in the colours of the Lithuanian flag. The prominence given to the landscape highlights Lithuania's commitment to the preservation of its natural heritage.
The top half of the emblem is inspired by Lithuania's modern technological industries. Lasers shoot skywards towards a stylised futsal pitch as a reminder of the country's accomplishments in the science and high-tech industries.
First match(es) will be played: 12 September 2021. Source: FIFA Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Fair play points; 5) Drawing of lots.
In the next stage the four third-placed teams will be matched with the winners of groups A, B, C, and D according to the tournament regulations.