Paris 2024 Paralympics football beings on Sunday and the world is eagerly anticipating the return of the sport where Brazil has reigned supreme since its introduction in 2004.
The Brazilian team, having won gold in every Paralympic tournament so far, is determined to extend their remarkable streak to six consecutive titles.
This year, Brazil will compete in Group A alongside hosts France, European runners-up Turkiye, and Asian champions China.
The French team, buoyed by the home advantage and recent European Championship success, aims to challenge Brazil’s dominance.
France’s manager, Toussaint Akpweh, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to make a strong showing, fueled by years of preparation and improvement.
Argentina, Brazil’s main rivals, will be in Group B and are eager to finally break Brazil’s grip on the gold medal.
The Argentine squad, which has come close on multiple occasions—including a heart-wrenching loss to Brazil in the 2020 final—is led by players like Ignacio Oviedo and Nahuel Heredia.
Argentina’s recent victories, including the 2023 IBSA World Games and the America Cup, have bolstered their confidence.
Morocco, the African champions, are another team to watch. They made history by winning bronze at Tokyo 2020, becoming the first African team to medal in blind football.
With star player Zouhair Snisla leading the charge, Morocco is aiming high and believes they can challenge the traditional powers.
As we await the tournament to unfold, the battle for the Golden Boot will be intense. Brazil’s Raimundo Mendes and Morocco’s Zouhair Snisla, who was the top scorer in Tokyo, are among the favorites.
Argentina’s Maximiliano Espinillo and China’s Zhu Ruiming also promise to be key contenders.
The game will be held in the shadow of the iconic Eiffel Tower, a scenic venue that ensures to captivate fans worldwide with the blend of skill, passion, and unyielding determination capped with the beautiful scenes of France’s capital, Paris.
