Ariana Television Network has secured the rights to broadcast FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024, which will take place in Uzbekistan from September 14 to October 16.

As such, futsal fans across Afghanistan will be treated to all matches live and exclusively on Ariana Television.

This is yet another feather in ATN’s broadcasting cap, as the media company strives to bring as many top-rated international sporting events into the homes of its loyal viewers.

Earlier this month, the brand and emblem for this year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup was launched in an exciting milestone moment towards Uzbekistan – the first Central Asian country to host a FIFA tournament.

The tenth edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup brand and emblem is inspired by the kalampir peppers that flavor cuisine in many traditional Uzbek dishes.

Drawing on the concept of ‘Masters of Speed’, the brand identity reflects the fast-paced, high tempo and dynamic nature of futsal, while the official emblem is shaped like the FIFA Futsal World Cup trophy, with five interpretations of the kalampir peppers forming a ball at the top.

“As the first FIFA tournament to be held in Central Asia, the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan will not only be a landmark moment in futsal, but also one for this incredible region that has so much to offer both teams and fans,” said Jaime Yarza, Director of FIFA Tournaments.

“The striking colors and patterns of the official look capture some of the flavor of what everyone who comes to Uzbekistan will experience during what will be an exciting and exceptional tournament.”

Ravshan Irmatov, Senior Vice President of the Uzbekistan Football Association, added: “The logo of the tournament is made in very bright colors, attractive and modern style. It shows a real oriental and Uzbek flavor. It can also be seen that it reflects the harmony of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage and historical values.”

The official branding will get a first major public outing on Sunday, May 26, in Samarkand’s resplendent and historic Registan Square when the 24 participating teams will feature in the group-stage draw.

Record five-time winners Brazil, defending champions Portugal, Spain, IR Iran and Argentina make up the top five teams heading into the draw.

It will also include four Central Asian countries for the very first time, with the hosts being joined by freshly crowned Asian champions IR Iran, who collected a 13th continental title at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup in April.

This will be the first time that Tajikistan have participated in a senior FIFA tournament, while Afghanistan will make their first appearance at a FIFA event since their only other previous outing at the Olympic Football Tournaments in 1948.

Meanwhile, the 2024 edition will be Kazakhstan’s third straight appearance at the tournament and their fourth campaign in total, after they took to the global stage for the first time back in 2000.

Three Host Cities, the capital, Tashkent, Andijan in the Fergana Valley and in ancient Silk Road trading center of Bukhara, will stage games as Uzbekistan becomes the fourth AFC member to host the FIFA Futsal World Cup after Hong Kong (1992), Chinese Taipei (2004) and Thailand (2012).

The 24-team line-up for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024 is as follows: Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, France, Guatemala, IR Iran, Kazakhstan, Libya, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, Tajikistan, Thailand, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Venezuela.

Meanwhile, futsal fans can watch this space for news and updates, which will be posted to Ariana News and Ariana Television platforms in the run up to the exciting event later this year.