Emirate's standing as a premier sports and athletics destination gets further cemented by this bid
Following the official draw held recently, the countdown has begun in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates for the first-ever WMF Minifootball World Cup to be held in the Middle East. It is a mega international football competition held every two years that attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe.
To be held from October 26 to November 4, the 2023 edition of this prestigious tournament in Ras Al Khaimah promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the sport, says the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in a press statement.
RAKTDA says that the event saw 32 competing national teams chosen in eight groups of four teams each, revealing interesting matchups that would excite fans around the world and set the foundation for exciting rivalries throughout the competition.
It adds that the Emirate’s standing as a premier sports and athletics destination gets further cemented by winning the highly competitive bid to be the host to this tournament. Officiated by Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA and World Minifootball Federation (WMF) President, Filip Juda, the prestigious event was also attended by government officials, ambassadors of participating countries, presidents and coaches of WMF-affiliated organisations and other distinguished guests.
Raki-Phillips
“We are thrilled to have kicked off the countdown to the 2023 Minifootball World Cup Ras Al Khaimah with an exciting draw viewed live by thousands of people from across the globe. This tournament cements our reputation as one of the most exciting and fastest growing destinations in the region. We can’t wait to welcome nations from all around the world to discover our proud sporting legacy, renowned Emirati hospitality, and exciting adventure, culture and nature-based experiences beyond the stadium,” says Phillips.
The host UAE will face off against Kazakhstan, Ghana and India in Group A, while defending champions Mexico are in Group B with Guatemala, Georgia, and Ireland. Brazil headline Group E that also includes Bulgaria, Montenegro and Japan. The USA, hosts and winners of the inaugural Minifootball World Cup in 2015, are in Group D and will battle for the round of 16 against Romania, Spain and Lebanon.
The teams compete in a round-robin format in the group stages, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage, which includes the round of 16, quarterfinals, semi-finals, and the highly anticipated final, adds the statement.
RAKTDA says that under the banner Home For Everyday Legends, the 2023 World Cup will showcase the skills and passion for minifootball from around the world, merging them with Ras Al Khaimah landmarks and cultural aspects to excite players and fans alike for this year’s tournament. It also highlights how relatable the game is to amateur players for giving them the legendary status they deserve. The goal is to inspire viewers to appreciate the sport beyond the professional level and recognise the skills and talent that exists within minifootball communities.
“I am excited to return to Ras Al Khaimah for the official 2023 WMF Minifootball World Cup draw – it truly is a remarkable destination, and is ideal for our growing sport. The enthusiastic support we have received from the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and the people of the Emirate validates the original decision to select Ras Al Khaimah as our host. Congratulations to all the teams and we look forward to an exciting tournament. We are also eager to see what lies beyond – we are confident the World Cup’s legacy will continue to grow and attract more fans to this unique sport and encourage wholesome athletic pursuits among the UAE and wider region’s population,” says Filip Juda, President of the World Minifootball Federation.
Winning over a highly competitive bid that included strong contenders like Manila and Budapest, Ras Al Khaimah was chosen as the 2023 tournament’s host nation last year, says RAKTDA, adding that the Emirate already hosts an increasing number of eminent sporting events, such as the DP World Tour, the renowned international golf championship, and the RAK Half Marathon, the fastest half marathon in the world.
The authority believes the event will serve as a springboard for the promotion of minifootball in the UAE and beyond, encouraging more citizens and visitors to play the sport, in line with the Emirate‘s objectives to foster liveability and engage with local schools and sports, in addition to the substantial tourism development and economic benefits that hosting the 2023 Minifootball World Cup will deliver.
