Futsal, the fast-paced, small-sided version of indoor football, has grown into a truly global sport, played in over 100 countries and enjoyed by more than 30 million players worldwide, according to FIFA.
Known for its emphasis on technical skill, agility, and quick decision-making, futsal has become a key platform for developing top-level talent. Major international tournaments, including the FIFA Futsal World Cup, continue to attract global attention, highlighting the sport’s rising profile.
The sport’s combination of skill, speed, and strategy has helped it capture the imagination of fans and athletes alike, and Azerbaijan has been at the forefront on putting the sport firmly on the international map.
Azerbaijan has a long-standing presence in European futsal. Since the establishment of the Azerbaijani Futsal Federation in 1994, the country has steadily developed its domestic league and national program, fostering emerging players and competing at the European level.
The national team is now in Baku having played and won two friendly matches against Denmark.
Ahead of the encounters, training sessions focussed on tactical organization, defensive structure, and transitions — key areas against fast-paced European opponents. Coach and team officials are using the matches to assess form, refine tactics, and build cohesion.
Team captain Emin Kurdov told local media: “The games against Denmark are important for the team’s full formation and for young players to gain experience. The national team has potential — it just needs some time.” Friendly matches may not carry competitive points, but they provide an important testing ground for line-ups, squad depth, and players' readiness under match conditions.
Denmark are a developing futsal side seeking experience and despite losing, will no doubt have enjoyed facing Azerbaijan as both countries look to benchmark performance and maintain sharpness ahead of future competitive commitments, including World Cup qualification matches later this year.
