The country has dominated the event since it was first held in 1996, winning all but three of the editions staged.

They were triumphant last time out in Serbia in 2016 and if they are successful again in Slovenia's capital will have won five out of the last six tournaments.

Spain have been drawn with France and Azerbaijan in Group D, with all matches at the event taking place at Arena Stožice.

Competition for the title will come from Russia, who knocked the Spaniards out of the 2016 Futsal World Cup at the quarter-final stage.

Russia went on to lose the final 5-4 to Argentina, and have been the European runners-up for three tournaments in a row.

They will play in Group B in Slovenia with Kazakhstan and Poland.

Italy, the 2014 winners, will play with hosts Slovenia and Serbia in Group A.

Portugal, who finished fourth at the 2016 World Cup, could be another team to challenge.

They will head Group C alongside Ukraine and Romania.

The top two sides in each group will reach the quarter-finals, with the final to be played on February 10.

Opening games tomorrow will see Slovenia play Serbia and Russia meet Poland.