The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024 is the 12th edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Overall, this is the 22nd edition of the Beach Soccer World Cup. The event starts from 15 February to 25 February 2024. Soccer fans will enjoy the 11 days of FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024 with thrilling matches. This edition was initially set to be the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2023, which was to be held in the United Arab Emirates.
However, in June, it got postponed and rescheduled from 15 February 2024 to 25 February 2024 to provide more time to the organizers for the mega event of FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024. Now, it will take place in Dubai, the city that hosts the most number of sports events. Fans of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024 from all over the world can watch the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup live telecast on FIFA+.
Defending Champions
Russia won the previous edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Russia is the defending champions, but due to the ongoing invasion of Russia and Ukraine, all Russian National teams aren’t eligible to compete in FIFA competitions. Russia did not get a place in the Euro Cup 2024 after this border tension between Russia and Ukraine.
History
The first edition of the Beach Soccer World Cup was in 1995. The Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) was the tournament’s governing body. Its initial name was the Beach Soccer World Championship. The last tournament that was under the banner of BSWW was in 2004. In 2005, FIFA and BSWW joined hands to organize a new World Cup competition under FIFA’s name.
By 2007, the sport gained so much popularity. FIFA took over the competition and recognized beach soccer as a major sport. In 2009, FIFA introduced a new format. They announced that the tournament will held bi-annually rather than annually. This was a mutual decision taken by FIFA and the Confederations. Two significant football tournaments, FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024 and FIFA Club World Cup 2025, will bring thrilling events in the next 2 years.
Successful Team in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup
The soccer-loving nation of Brazil is the most successful team in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. After winning 5 out of 6 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup finals, Brazil showed absolute authority in that tournament. Russia, with 3 titles, comes as 2nd most successful team.
Venue
The venue for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024 is Dubai. Dubai has hosted the most number of events. The city will host 32 matches in 11 days. The organizers have built a temporary stadium for the event with the capacity to accommodate 3900 spectators.
Teams
Sixteen teams are competing for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024. These teams are divided into four groups. Here are the group details.
Groups
There are four groups of 4 teams in each group, namely Group A, Group B, Group C, and Group D.
Group A
- Italy
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Egypt
Group B
- Tahiti
- Iran
- Spain
- Argentina
Group C
- Belarus
- Japan
- Columbia
- Senegal
Group D
- Portugal
- Brazil
- Oman
- Mexico
Key Players to watch
Footballers from nations like Belarus, Iran, Portugal, Japan, Italy, Brazil, etc, have traveled to Dubai to compete and represent their countries. Talented players like Deigo Martinez, Marco Jiordani, Bernardo Lopes, Nooh Al Zadjali, Juan Ossa, Mandione Diagne, Nahuel Gigena, and many more will show off their sporting skills in the tournament. Legend Portugal player Madjer is the highest goal scorer of the Soccer World Cup. He scored 140 goals in the beach soccer World Cup and was crucial in winning 3 titles for Portugal.
Tournament Structure
In the first-ever edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, 8 teams participated. Then, as time went on, Teams started to increase. Now, 16 teams are participating in the FIFA Beach World Cup 2024. These 16 teams are categorized into 4 groups of 4 in one group. The top 2 teams of all groups qualified for the Quarterf-finals. After winning the Quarter-final, teams play semi-finals and the Final, where the winner will be determined.
