CP Football will return in 2022 as the Pararoos and the ParaMatildas have learned their IFCPF World Cup fate following the Official Draw in Spain.
In their 10th appearance at the world championships, the Pararoos will face world number four, Iran and world number six, the United States, in Group C of the IFCPF Men’s World Cup.
Just weeks later the ParaMatildas will make their international competition debut in the first ever IFCPF Women’s World Cup in a pool that features Japan, Spain, the Netherlands and the United States.
Following a two year hiatus, Pararoos head coach Kai Lammert is eagerly anticipating the return of international football and the challenge of taking on the best teams in the world.
“Having drawn the USA and Iran into our group, we know that it’s a tough group. There is no doubt about it,” Lammert said. “However, at this level we know that there are no easy games regardless of the draw.”
“We want to go to Spain and challenge these teams and cause an upset in the group. Last time we finished 11th at the World Cup and our goal is to improve on the result this time around. The boys are well prepared, and I am looking forward to the tournament.“
Recently appointed ParaMatildas head coach, Kelly Stirton is aware of the historic moment coming for the ParaMatildas in May.
“It is going to be a very competitive World Cup with five nations competing for the historic first world title,” Stirton said. “We will be coming up against some world class athletes, but I know our players can match it with the rest of the world and that’s my job to ensure they are mentally, emotionally and physically prepared.”
“Now the World Cup teams have been finalised and positions have been secured, we can shift our attention to how we will play our game and how we can break down the other four teams. It is important that our players are not just physically fit but mentally as well. The World Cup is the biggest event in the football calendar, and we are there to represent Australia to the best of our abilities.”
Hosted by FECPC (Catalan Sports Federation for people with Cerebral Palsy), the 2022 IFCPF Men's World Cup (27 April to 16 May 2022) and 2022 IFCPF Women's World Cup (7 May to 18 May 2022) will take place in Salou, Barcelona, Spain.
15 nations will compete in the Men’s World Cup in four groups, while the Women’s World Cup will see five nations battle it out in one pool.
Australia's national teams for footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and symptoms of stroke, the Pararoos will enter the tournament ranked number 10, while the ParaMatildas are ranked number four in the world.
The two teams will commence their next phase of preparations for the world championships with camps at the Australian Institute of Sport later this week.
Supporters can follow the journeys of the Pararoos and ParaMatildas to the IFCPF World Cups through their websites and social media channels.
Be a part of the Pararoos and ParaMatildas journey
Australian can get behind the Pararoos and ParaMatildas World Cup campaigns by making a tax-deductible donation to the team here.
Every donation over $2 made to the squads is tax-deductible and will go directly to supporting national team training camps, coaching, sports science, and tournament costs to ensure that the Pararoos and ParaMatildas have the best possible chance to represent Australia on the world stage.