From Colombia’s first triumph to Paraguay’s dream debut, Acapulco has quickly become a global stage for beach soccer’s elite and emerging powers
The Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup has quickly become a major international event since 2023, attracting top teams from the Americas and Europe with high-quality, competitive matches. Central to its success is the Arena GNP Seguros, a modern, multi-functional stadium that transforms into a world-class beach soccer venue, offering fans an immersive, close-up experience and exemplifying the next generation of adaptable sports infrastructure.
2023 – Inaugural edition
The journey began in 2023, when Acapulco hosted its first-ever edition, featuring nations such as Mexico, USA, Colombia, and others across both competitions. The hosts laid the foundation for a vibrant tournament atmosphere, but it was Colombia who claimed the men’s title, announcing themselves on the Acapulco stage. In the women’s competition, the USA set the benchmark early, lifting the inaugural trophy and signalling their intent to dominate the competition in years to come.
2024 – Spain Takes Over
By 2024, the tournament had expanded in both quality and reach. European influence was strong, with Spain emerging as the dominant force, sweeping both the men’s and women’s titles, while the USA finished as runners-up. The presence of teams from multiple continents reinforced the competition’s growing international appeal, as Acapulco established itself as a key stop on the global beach soccer calendar.
2026 – New Kings, Familiar Queens
The most recent edition in 2026 showcased the tournament at its most competitive yet. Featuring Mexico, Portugal, Paraguay, and the USA in the men’s competition, alongside Mexico, Brazil, USA, and Japan in the women’s event, the level of play reached new heights. Paraguay made history by winning the men’s title on their debut, delivering one of the most dominant performances in the tournament’s history. In the women’s competition, the USA reclaimed the crown, securing their second title in three editions and reaffirming their status as the team to beat.
Editions and Champions
| Edition | Year | Men’s Champion | Men’s Runner-up | Women’s Champion | Women’s Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2023 | 🇨🇴 Colombia | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇬🇧 England |
| 2nd | 2024 | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇨🇴 Colombia | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 USA |
| 3rd | 2026 | 🇵🇾 Paraguay | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Across just three editions, the Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup has already developed a rich narrative, new champions, emerging nations, and a balance between established powerhouses and fresh challengers. With Colombia (2023), Spain (2024), and Paraguay (2026) all lifting the men’s trophy, the competition continues to showcase its unpredictability, while the USA’s consistency in the women’s game highlights a growing legacy.
Notable records
- 🇵🇾 Paraguay – Champions on debut (2026)
- 🇺🇸 USA (Women) – Most successful team (2 titles)
- 🇪🇸 Spain – Only nation to win both men’s and women’s titles in the same edition (2024)
- 🇺🇸 USA & 🇲🇽 Mexico – Most appearances (3)
In just a few years, the Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup has evolved into a tournament defined by diversity, competitiveness, and global reach. Acapulco is fast becoming one of the sport’s most exciting destinations on the international beach soccer calendar.
Picture Credits: BSWW
