Seychelles 2025: Africa Welcomes the Best of Beach Soccer

World Cup

16 Nations. The Road to Glory Begins May 1.

For the first time in history, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup heads to Africa, and the stage is set in the breathtaking island paradise of Seychelles. From 1 to 11 May 2025, 16 of the world’s top beach soccer nations will descend on the Indian Ocean archipelago to chase glory.

Hosting the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is a landmark moment not only for Seychelles but for Africa at large. It marks the very first time a FIFA tournament will be staged on the continent, representing a powerful symbol of inclusion, recognition, and progress.

Squads Confirmed: The Best of the Best Assembled

With official squad lists now confirmed, anticipation has reached fever pitch. From returning champions to fearless newcomers, the class of 2025 brings together a dazzling mix of seasoned icons and exciting emerging talent.

Superstars heading to Seychelles include Belarussian Ihar Bryshtsel, Iranians Ali Mirshekari and Mohammadali Mokhtari, Japanese standouts Takuya Akaguma and Ozu Moreira, Senegal’s Al Seyni Ndiaye and Raoul Mendy, Spaniards Chiky Ardil and Kuman, and Tahitian maestro Heimanu Taiarui.

Here’s a glimpse into the major storylines as kickoff approaches:

– Brazil Returns as Defending Champions

Brazil is the most successful national team in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, and they arrive in Seychelles 2025 with trademark swagger and a squad steeped in firepower. Veteran goalkeeper Teleco anchors a star-studded Brazilian side featuring Rodrigo Soares, Catarino, and Edson Hulk, names synonymous with dominance on the sand.

This year, Rodrigo Soares stands out not only as a leader on the pitch but also as a 2024 Best Player of the Year nominee, while fellow star Tiago Oliveira (Bobô) has been shortlisted for the Best Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Their coach, the experienced Marco Octavio, is also in the running for Best Coach of the Year 2024, highlighting Brazil’s depth both on and off the field.

It’s not just about the experience either, Thanger, an electric new addition, brings youthful flair and hunger to a side ready to defend its crown and entertain fans worldwide.

– Italy Eyes Redemption

After a narrow loss in the 2024 final, Italy enters Seychelles 2025 with unfinished business. While new faces bring depth and flexibility, Italy’s core remains strong and driven. Josep Junior, winner of the adidas Golden Ball, leads the charge for a team hungry to reclaim the crown.

Anchoring the defence is none other than Leandro Casapieri, crowned Best Goalkeeper of the Year 2023, a title earned through his shot-stopping brilliance and composure under pressure. With Casapieri commanding the back and Junior orchestrating the attack, Italy brings a well-balanced squad capable of going all the way.

– Asia’s Finest: IR Iran’s Charge

Iran has consistently proven to be a global powerhouse in beach soccer. They arrive at Seychelles 2025 as the reigning AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup champions, having successfully defended their continental title earlier this year.

Spearheaded by Ali Mirshekari, who was named both MVP and Top Scorer of the tournament, this Iranian side is brimming with confidence and quality. Adding to their strength between the posts is Seyedmahdi Mirjalili, who earned the Best Goalkeeper award at the same competition.

With tactical sharpness, exceptional team unity, and a championship mindset, Iran will be determined to better their third-place finish from last year and make a serious run for the title.

– Portugal’s Power Team Returns

The Martins brothers – Bê and Léo continue to shine as central figures in Portugal’s beach soccer dominance. Their unmatched chemistry, technical brilliance, and leadership could prove decisive as Portugal navigates a challenging group stage.

Adding to the buzz, Bê Martins and teammate Jordan Santos are both finalists for the 2024 Best Player of the Year award, further proof of Portugal’s star-studded roster. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Pedro Mano also made the shortlist for the 2024 Best Goalkeeper of the Year, recognising his commanding presence between the posts.

Their coach, Mário Narciso is also a nominee for Best Coach of the Year 2024, one of the sport’s most respected tacticians on the sands.

With world-class talent across the pitch and bench, Portugal arrives in Seychelles as one of the most complete and dangerous squads in the tournament.

– European Elite and New Contenders

Spain, featuring the ever-reliable Chiky Ardil, will look to leverage experience and consistency to push deep into the tournament.
Belarus, with lethal finisher Ihar Bryshtsel, top scorer in 2024, bring a high-scoring, high-octane style that fans love.
Mauritania, making their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup debut, carries the hopes of a proud nation. Captain Mohamed Diallo will lead with heart and grit as they embrace the moment and aim to shock the world.

– Senegal: Africa’s Standard-Bearer

A perennial African powerhouse, Senegal returns to the World Cup as the continent’s top contender. With leadership, skill, and belief, the Lions of Teranga are eyeing a deep run in this historic edition.

Their captain and goalkeeper, Alseyni Ndiaye, shared his thoughts ahead of kickoff:

“We are committed and determined to have a very good competition by worthily representing Africa. Although it will not be easy. We share our group with great beach soccer nations like Spain, Tahiti and Chile but we will do everything to come out 1st in the group. Whatever happens, Senegal is not a small team at the world level. We will play the big and do better than Russia 2021.” – Alseyni Ndiaye

– Seychelles: The Host Ready to Make History

As the proud hosts of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025™, Seychelles is not just making history as the first African nation to host a FIFA tournament, they’re stepping onto the world stage with ambition, heart, and home advantage.

Their confidence is backed by results: Seychelles secured their biggest win to date with a 3–1 victory over Saudi Arabia in Durban, South Africa, on 17 March 2024. That performance was a statement of intent from a team on the rise.

Among the players to watch is Rondy Onezime, a standout for Portsmouth BSC known for his power and leadership on the sand. At the other end of the age spectrum is the team’s youngest star, Lienal Bibi, just 16 years old, who brings youthful flair and boldness to the squad.

With the nation behind them, Seychelles will look to channel their passion into a memorable campaign on home soil.

The Spirit of Africa, the Stage of Dreams

This is a unique moment in time, a confluence of global excellence and African ambition. From sunlit beaches to roaring fans, from street-sport beginnings to world-class competition, Seychelles 2025 is the embodiment of beach soccer’s heart and soul.

The presence of emerging teams and global legends reflects the universal appeal and inclusive growth of the game. And on African shores, a new legacy is waiting to be born.