Paris 2024: Paralympics blind football draw revealed
The draw for blind football at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games occurred in Schiltigheim, France, on Saturday, 25 May.
Eight of the world’s top teams, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, France, China, Japan, Colombia, and Turkey, were sorted into two groups by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) President Ilgar Rahimov, players from each competing team, Julian Zelala (the ‘father’ of blind football in France), and various local partners.
Elias Mastoras, Chairperson of IBSA Blind Football, gave a speech urging people to buy tickets for Paris 2024, noting that tickets for the medal matches were nearly sold out. Also in attendance was Ludovic Heurley, Paris 2024 Football and Blind Football Sport Manager.
In Group A, which is already being dubbed the “group of death”, undefeated Paralympic champions Brazil will compete against European champions France, Asian champions China, and Euros silver medallists Turkey.
Group A | Group B |
France (A1) | Japan (B1) |
China (A2) | Colombia (B2) |
Brazil (A3) | Morocco (B3) |
Turkiye (A4) | Argentina (B4) |
Current world and Americas champions, and four-time Paralympic podium finishers, Argentina will face African champions and Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Morocco in Group B, along with Paralympic debutants Colombia, and Tokyo Olympic hosts Japan.
The draw took place during the Opening Ceremony for the IBSA Blind Football World Grand Prix, which is set to begin on Sunday and will feature seven of the teams qualified for Paris 2024. Additionally, the official ball for Paris 2024 was unveiled during the draw, adding to the festivities in Schiltigheim.
Blind football at the Paralympics will be held from 1-7 September, set against the backdrop of one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks – the Eiffel Tower. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.