Alexander Kosenko's wards started the main round of the 2024 World Cup qualification in futsal with a match against Kosovo. Due to Russia’s military invasion, Ukraine's national team hosted their opponent in the Latvian city of Salaspils.

The Kosovars took the lead as early as the 2nd minute — Kastrati closed off Rukovic's pass in front of the goal. After that, Ukrainians dominated on the court, but Ramadan sealed off our boys' shots persistently. Only at the 15th minute did blue and yellow managed to equalize — Shoturma intercepted the ball and passed it to Chernyavsky, who shot past the opponents’ goalkeeper. Shortly before halftime, Salihu ran down the center and scored next to the post.

At the beginning of the second half, Kosenko's wards gradually turned their game advantage into goals. First, Shoturma missed from a penalty kick, but later Abakshin failed to score during two consecutive attacks. However, on the 24th minute, Farenyuk intercepted and passed to Korosun, who dribbled past the keeper and scored.

Shortly after, Shoturma pressured the opponent near Ramadan's goal but hit the post again. On the 27th minute, Ukrainians earned a free kick which Mikityuk converted into a goal for Melnyk after setting it up. Later, Balkan players responded with Kastrati hitting the post.

Kosovars quickly accumulated five fouls, affecting their play. Under these conditions, Ukrainians continued to create opportunities and maintain their lead intelligently. On the 39th minute, blue and yellow finally earned a double penalty, but Melnyk failed to outplay Ramadan. Thus, Ukraine's team won — 3:1.

Our next match in the main round will be against the Netherlands on October 11 in the Latvian city of Jelgava. Kick-off is at 7 PM Kyiv time.

WC-2024. European Qualification. Main Round. Group 11

September 18, 2022

Netherlands — Kosovo — 2:1

October 7, 2022

Ukraine — Kosovo — 3:1 (1:1)

Goals: Chernyavsky (15), Korosun (24), Melnyk (27) — Kastrati (2).

On the 39th minute, Melnyk (U) missed a double penalty kick (goalkeeper).

Ukraine: Tzipun — Chernyavsky, Korosun, Shoturma, Zvarych; Sukhov, Radevich, Malishko, Melnyk, Lebid, Mikityuk, Syriy, Abakshin, Farenyuk.

Kosovo: Ramadan — Kastrati, Kelmenji, Majjarrai, Rukovic; Bechiri, Dakay, Hajdijaj, Murtesi, Derwisha, Salihu, Nishori, Qvorri.

Warned: Qvorri (4), Majjarrai (21).

October 7. Salaspils. Sports complex.

Tournament table

October 11, 2022

Ukraine — Netherlands (7 PM)

November 9, 2022

Kosovo — Ukraine (6 PM)

March 3, 2023

Kosovo — Netherlands

March 8, 2023

Netherlands — Ukraine

In the main round, 36 national teams are divided into 12 groups of three teams where matches will be played home and away. Twelve group winners and four best runners-up advance to the elite round. The other eight second-place finishers participate in a playoff from the main round.

WC-2024. European Qualification. Main Round

Group 1: Spain, Moldova, Cyprus.

Group 2: Georgia, Belgium, Austria.

Group 3: Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia.

Group 4: Portugal, Belarus, Lithuania.

Group 5: Kazakhstan, Slovenia, Montenegro.

Group 6: Azerbaijan, Poland, Greece.

Group 7: Croatia, Hungary, Israel.

Group 8: Finland, Romania, Denmark.

Group 9: Serbia, France, Norway.

Group 10: Italy, North Macedonia, Sweden.

Group 11: Ukraine, Netherlands, Kosovo.

Group 12: Slovakia, Latvia, Germany.

Format

Qualification takes place in five stages: a preliminary round (mini-tournaments), the main round (groups with home and away matches), playoffs from the main round (home and away matches), an elite round (groups with home and away matches) and playoffs from the elite round (home and away matches).

Playoffs of the Main Round

Drawing: March 10, 2023.

Matches: April 10—19, 2023.

Eight teams will be divided into four pairs and matches will take place home and away. The winners advance to the elite round.

Elite Round

Drawing: July 5, 2023.

Matches: will be completed by December 20, 2023.

Twenty national teams will be divided into five groups of four teams where matches will take place home and away. Five group winners advance to the WC-2024. Four best second-place finishers advance to playoffs from the elite round. If the European association is selected for hosting the final tournament, only two best second-place finishers advance to playoffs from the elite round.

Playoffs of the Elite Round

Drawing: January 25, 2024.

Matches: April 8—17, 2024.

Four teams will be divided into two pairs (if only two teams participate in the playoffs, a draw will determine match order), matches will take place home and away. The winners advance to WC-2024.