In recent years, few sports have experienced as rapid and inclusive a rise as mini football, a small-sided variation of 11-a-side football, played in 5-a-side format, with additional variants of 6-a-side, 7-a-side, 8-a-side, 9-a-side and indoor football
It is also called minifootball or small-sided football and is one of the fastest-growing variations of the traditional game of football.
Mini football has now blossomed into a global phenomenon—with Egypt at its heart.
Samir described mini football as a sport that can be played anywhere, emphasising its accessibility and adaptability across various environments. Reflecting on its early days, he recalled that the first competition in Egypt was held in Sinai, marking the beginning of what would become a transformative sports movement. From that modest start, the sport has flourished. In just five years, Egypt has established itself as a global force in mini football. The Egyptian national men’s team currently holds the titles of world, Arab and African champions. The women’s national team also ranks fourth in the world, and the under-23 team has earned international recognition as well, proving that the country’s commitment to the sport goes beyond the men’s division.
Samir explained that one of the keys to success was a strong national league infrastructure. Egypt now boasts a comprehensive league system for men, women and youth, with multiple cup competitions taking place annually. But the focus on development goes even deeper. The federation has established competitions for age categories under 17, 15, 13, 11, and even under nine, allowing young players to experience organised, competitive sport from an early age. What makes the Egyptian model truly unique, however, is its commitment to inclusion. The federation organises competitions not just for the young but also for the elderly over 65 years old. Specially designed tournaments are also held for the deaf and individuals with disabilities. This level of inclusivity, according to Samir, is at the heart of what mini football represents: a sport that welcomes everyone, regardless of age, gender or ability.
Echoing this sentiment was Al-Dosari who leads the International Mini Football Federation. During his recent visit to Cairo, Al-Dosari met Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi, describing the talks as both productive and inspiring. Al-Dosari expressed his deep appreciation for the support Egypt has shown the sport and commended the country’s role in leading its development. He announced several groundbreaking developments that point to the sport’s global expansion. Among them was the selection of Arbil, Iraq, as the host of the Women’s Mini Football World Cup. Al-Dosari said Arbil had submitted a “strong and enthusiastic bid”, pledging to cover all accommodations for participating teams, which he described as a generous and symbolic gesture of commitment. The tournament will be the first of its kind to be held in Iraq and is expected to encourage greater female participation in sport across the Middle East.
He also confirmed that Misrata, Libya, will host the 2025 Men’s Mini Football World Cup, underscoring the federation’s drive to diversify event locations and bring the game to new communities. By choosing host countries from different regions, Al-Dosari said he believed that mini football can empower nations and serve as a catalyst for social and cultural engagement.
During the same visit to Cairo, Sobhi proposed a joint bid from Egypt and Saudi Arabia to host the 2027 Mini Football World Cup, an idea that was warmly welcomed by Al-Dosari. He noted that such a collaboration would represent a powerful model of regional cooperation and mutual ambition, potentially setting a new precedent for organising international sporting events in the region.
In addition to the World Cup events, the federation is preparing for the Gulf Cup, a tournament designed to further popularise the sport across the Arabian Peninsula and among its football-loving population. Al-Dosari emphasised that mini football is rapidly gaining fans due to its fast-paced, accessible nature and its ability to foster community. He stated that the federation is planning a series of international visits aimed at spreading the game even further and building awareness in new markets. Currently, the International Mini Football Federation includes 53-member nations, a number Al-Dosari is determined to grow in the coming years. His goal is to attract more national federations, introduce the game to new regions, and inspire increased youth participation around the world.
He spoke passionately about the sport’s potential, calling mini football more than just a game. In his view, it is a global platform for inclusion, engagement, and health, a tool that brings people together through shared experience and competition. Under his leadership, the sport is not only gaining international traction but also redefining its role as a unifying force across borders and cultures. With tournaments on the horizon, strategic growth plans, and visionary leadership at both the national and international levels, mini football appears to be entering a new and exciting era.
The Egyptian experience, under the guidance of IMF official Samir, stands as a model for how mini football can be developed successfully. From its grassroots programmes to its elite national teams, and from youth development to inclusive policies for the elderly and differently-abled, Egypt has shown that with the right strategy and commitment, even a relatively new sport can achieve tremendous national and international success. Mini football is growing, and with continued support, visionary planning, and a spirit of inclusivity, it may soon become one of the most impactful sports on the global stage.
Mini football is designed to be more accessible, fast-paced and inclusive, carving out its own space in the global sporting landscape, attracting players of all ages and abilities.
Unlike traditional 11-a-side football, matches are held on smaller pitches, usually around 40 by 20 metres, making it ideal for urban environments, schools and community centres where space might be limited. The games are shorter in duration, often divided into two halves of 20 or 25 minutes, and are played on a variety of surfaces, including artificial turf, concrete or indoor courts.
One of the most distinctive aspects of mini football is the absence of the offside rule with more goal-scoring opportunities and continuous action.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 29 May, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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