The draw for the 12th edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is upon us. On Friday, October 6th, 2023, the stage will be set in the heart of Dubai, at the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid Library for an event that will set the course of beach soccer history.
The Teams:
Sixteen nations from around the world will converge in the United Arab Emirates from February 15th to 25th, 2024, to compete for the coveted title. These teams have earned their place through skill, determination, and unwavering passion for the beautiful game on the sandy shores. The participating nations are Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, IR Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Oman, Portugal, Senegal, Tahiti, Ukraine, UAE & USA.
The Format:
The tournament format promises riveting action from start to finish. The 16 teams will be divided into four groups of four, and each will face a stern test of their skills, teamwork, and strategy.
Teams will earn three points for a victory in regular time, two points for a win in extra time, and one point for a triumph in the penalty shootout. This rule rewards both clinical finishes and dramatic comebacks, adding an extra layer of excitement to every match.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout phase, where the real drama unfolds. Quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third-place play-off, and the grand finale will showcase the cream of the beach soccer crop. Expect acrobatic goals, incredible saves, and moments of sheer brilliance.
The Quest for Glory: Past Champions and Aspiring Contenders
The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup has a storied history, with past champions etching their names into the annals of the sport. Brazil, with its rich tradition in beach soccer, has been a dominant force, clinching the title multiple times. Portugal, Russia, and France have also made their mark.
As we look ahead to the 12th edition, eyes will be on the defending champions, RFU (Russian Football Union), who triumphed in 2021. Can they defend their title, or will a new contender rise to the occasion?
Every team will enter the draw with dreams of glory, knowing that on the sandy beaches of Dubai, legends will be made and history rewritten.
The Draw:
The draw is more than just a selection of groups; it’s the moment where fate meets ambition. Anticipation runs high as teams await their opponents and fans around the world eagerly await the matchups.
Will we witness classic clashes between beach soccer giants in the group stage, or will there be surprise packages that upset the established order? It’s all part of the drama that makes the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup a must-watch event.
Stay tuned as the draw is streamed live on FIFA+ to witness the birth of beach soccer rivalries, unforgettable moments, and the beginning of a journey that will culminate in a new champion being crowned on February 25th, 2024.
As the sands of Dubai prepare to witness this sporting spectacle, beach soccer enthusiasts can’t help but wonder: Who will emerge as the kings of the beach in 2024? The answer lies in the fate-defining draw on October 6th.
