Futsal World Cup 2028 Qualifying: Latvia Hit Five in Baku as Romania Edge Denmark

Latvia produced the statement result of Sunday’s FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028 qualifiers, thrashing Azerbaijan 5-1 in Baku, while Romania edged Denmark 2-1 to keep their hopes alive in Group 7. Two matches, two away-day stories — one a rout, one a tight win that could matter a great deal come March.

The November window is the second of four in the European qualifying main round, and with only the group winners and the best runners-up reaching the elite round, every point is starting to carry real weight.

Latvia run riot in Baku

Latvia went to the Baku Sports Palace and dismantled Azerbaijan 5-1, a result that lifts them to four points from two games in Group 12. It was a ruthless away performance from a side that had already shown their quality by drawing 3-3 with Czechia in October.

For Azerbaijan, it was a painful night. They had lost 2-1 away to Czechia in October and then fought back to draw 2-2 at home in Lankaran on Thursday, but this defeat leaves them bottom of Group 12 with one point from two games. Czechia still lead the group on five points from three matches, with Latvia now second.

Romania edge Denmark in Group 7

In the other Sunday tie, Romania beat Denmark 2-1 at home in Group 7. It was a vital win for the hosts, who had been beaten 6-1 by Portugal in October, and it moves them onto three points from two games.

Denmark, meanwhile, are now pointless after two matches, having also lost 10-3 to Portugal in their opener. Portugal sit top of the group on six points, and the return fixture between Denmark and Romania in February now looks like a must-win for the Danes.

The November window continues on Tuesday, with France travelling to Montenegro, Croatia hosting Germany’s conquerors Lithuania, and Italy facing Kosovo among the ties on the schedule. The race for the seven European places at the 2028 World Cup is only just warming up — but Latvia and Romania have made sure their names stay in it.