Futsal’s Continued Rise Across Europe: A Reflection on Milestones and Momentum

From Record-Breaking Attendances to Grassroots Passion, Futsal Unites Communities Across the Continent

Futsal, a dynamic and fast-paced variation of football, has made tremendous strides in recent years, particularly through UEFA’s strategic vision and the passionate efforts of national associations across Europe. This year’s Futsal EURO qualifiers have provided not only thrilling matches but also a significant boost to the sport’s visibility and fan engagement. As we look back on recent achievements and anticipate future milestones, it’s clear that futsal is not just a growing sport—it’s a movement.

(Main picture: North Macedonia v Andorra. Source of the image: Laurent Morel)

A Strategic Shift for Greater Reach

 
One of the most impactful decisions by UEFA in recent years has been the adoption of a home-and-away format for the Futsal EURO qualifiers. By extending participation to 40 nations, UEFA has brought high-quality international futsal to communities across the continent, from Cyprus to Switzerland, Denmark to Andorra. Senior UEFA Competitions Manager Laurent Morel highlights the success of this approach, emphasizing that it has placed “top futsal on the European map.”

The decision to expand the competition format has done more than just increase the number of teams; it has amplified the sport’s visibility in countries where futsal had yet to establish a significant foothold. Fans in these nations had the opportunity to experience international futsal at its finest, creating a palpable sense of excitement and fostering a deeper connection with the sport.

Record-Breaking Attendances: A Testament to Futsal’s Appeal

 
One of the most telling signs of futsal’s growing popularity is the record-breaking attendance figures seen across Europe during the qualifiers. Morel noted that at least 10 nations, including Denmark, Germany, and Cyprus, set new national attendance records during their home matches. In Denmark, the Brøndby Hallen hosted a sold-out crowd of over 3,000 fans for a dramatic match against Albania, an achievement celebrated by Claus Mohrhagen, Futsal Ligachef at the Danish Football Association (DBU). Mohrhagen shared his pride in the event, describing the vibrant atmosphere and the mix of Danish and Albanian fans cheering together in harmony.

Denmark, the Brøndby Hallen hosted a sold-out crowd of over 3,000 fans for a dramatic match against Albania: Source of the image: Laurent Morel, UEFA

Similarly, Germany’s match against Cyprus in Trier attracted 3,500 spectators, further underscoring the growing appeal of futsal in regions where it has traditionally played a secondary role to football. These milestones reflect not only the efforts of national associations to promote the sport but also the public’s readiness to embrace futsal as a thrilling and family-friendly event.

England’s Milestone Moment: Futsal Returns to Home Soil

 
Futsal’s growth across Europe is not without its challenges, and England offers a clear example of the hurdles that must be overcome to build a stable foundation. The FA after suspending elite level futsal, outsourced the sport’s development to England Futsal, a delivery partner, who celebrated a significant milestone during the UEFA EURO 2026 qualifiers: the first competitive home international fixture in over 1,770 days.

Held at the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall at Loughborough University, with over 780 tickets sold out of the 1,100-seat capacity, the event was a significant achievement for a sport still in its infancy in the country. The crowd created a lively atmosphere, with attendees including coaches, referees, club representatives, and local schools. The evening also celebrated the England Women’s Futsal team (the Lionesses) with a cap presentation, recognizing their role in the development of the sport.

Stuart Cook, England Futsal v Switzerland: Source of the image: Stuart Cook

On the court, the men’s team delivered a historic performance, securing their first-ever victory in the main round with a 5-1 win over Switzerland. This achievement provided a significant boost for the England squad and fans alike, underscoring the potential for further growth and success. Additionally, the live stream of the match drew significant interest, with over 8,000 unique viewers tuning in to watch the action unfold online.

Stephen Mitchell, Chairperson of England Futsal, acknowledged the significance of the evening while keeping an eye on the work still to be done: “It was an honor to host this match and to see the futsal community come together. We look forward to continuing our progress and growing stronger as we head into 2025.”

The evening also celebrated the England Women’s Futsal team (the Lionesses) with a cap presentation, recognizing their role in the development of the sport: Source of the image: England Futsal

This event represents a step forward for futsal in England, with the hope that it signals the beginning of greater consistency and continued development for the sport at both national and grassroots levels.

The Collective Effort Behind Futsal’s Growth

 
Futsal’s continued success is not only driven by strategic planning and promotional initiatives but also by the collaborative efforts of various contributors. From local municipalities and venue organizers to passionate coaches and sponsors, the combined dedication of diverse stakeholders helps bring the sport to life, creating memorable experiences for fans and players alike.

The Denmark vs. Albania match exemplified this collective spirit. Support from Brøndby Municipality, local businesses, and the Danish Football Association (DBU) made the event possible. The Brøndby Hallen hosted an electric atmosphere, with young fans experiencing futsal for the first time and seasoned supporters rallying behind their team. Although Denmark endured a narrow and heartbreaking loss in the final seconds, the event itself was a testament to the sport’s growing appeal and the collaborative energy driving its development.

This shared commitment across different levels of the futsal community continues to inspire growth and engagement, highlighting the sport’s potential to unite people and elevate its profile in the years ahead

Looking Ahead: From Milestones to Momentum

 
With its growing foundations and increasing support from associations, local communities, and passionate individuals, futsal is steadily building momentum across Europe. However, the journey is far from complete. While strides have been made, fostering broader backing from local governments, associations, and grassroots organizations remains a crucial task. As Laurent Morel aptly summarized, “After getting global, let’s get big”—a goal that will require continued collaboration, investment, and a shared vision for the sport’s future.

As we approach 2025 and the road to Futsal EURO Latvia-Lithuania in early 2026, the future of futsal in Europe looks brighter than ever. The success of the qualifiers has paved the way for further growth, both in terms of audience engagement and competitive development. The blend of grassroots enthusiasm and high-level competition continues to drive futsal forward, solidifying its place as a sport that unites communities and inspires new generations.

Futsal Focus readers, the journey of futsal’s rise in Europe is far from over. With each milestone achieved, we’re reminded of the sport’s unique ability to bring people together, create unforgettable moments, and inspire the next generation of players and fans. The stage is set for futsal to continue its incredible journey, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

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Futsal Focus is a supporter of Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family’s campaign to raise awareness of Organ Donation. We encourage our readers to learn more about Organ Donation: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/

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