What is the FIFA Beach World Cup?

What is Beach Soccer?

Beach soccer is a variation of football that is played on a sand-covered beach or shoreline. It is a mixed-gender sport, meaning that both men and women can play together on the same team. There are 11 players on each team and the aim is to score as many goals as possible. Beach soccer is played with a smaller ball that is not as heavy as a standard football. Beach soccer can be played either 2 vs 2, 2 vs 1, or 1 vs 1. The first major beach soccer tournament was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1995. Since then, it has been growing in popularity, and there are now professional beach soccer leagues in many different countries. Beach soccer is often seen as a bridge between football and surfing as it’s normally played on a beach and is the perfect combination of both sports.

FIFA Beach World Cup History

The first ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2003 with the host nation winning the tournament. Six teams were competing at that tournament, Brazil, France, Italy, Portugal, Tahiti, and Australia taking part. Since then, the tournament has grown in popularity and has been held every two years since 2005. A new host city/country is chosen for each tournament. These are the FIFA Beach World Cup winners.

2003 – Brazil (hosts)

2005 – Portugal (first tournament)

2007 – Italy 2009 – Brazil (second tournament)

2011 – Tahiti (first non-European team to win)

2013 – Spain 2015 – Portugal (second tournament)

2017 – Italy (third tournament)

FIFA Beach Soccer Rules

The FIFA Beach Soccer Rules are somewhat similar to the rules of regular football. However, there are a few key differences. This section highlights the main ones.

- The size of the playing area is smaller than a standard football pitch. It is around 23 meters long and 8.5 meters wide.

- The ball is smaller and lighter than a standard football. It is usually made of foam or synthetic materials.

- There are five players on each team on the pitch at any one time. Substitutions are allowed during the game.

- The game lasts for 10 minutes and ends after the first team scores two or more goals. Extra time and penalty shootouts are both used if the game is tied at the end of normal play.

- There are no offside rules in beach soccer, only restrictions on how many players can be in the offensive half at any one time.

- The ball can be stopped in any direction as long as it is behind the last defender. - Players can dribble the ball as many times as they want as long as they have at least one foot on the ground at all times.

- Goals can be scored from any part of the playing area but cannot be assisted by the keeper.

FIFA Beach World Cup 2018

The FIFA Beach World Cup 2018 was held in Tahiti, French Polynesia from September 1 to 9. Tahiti played host to the tournament for the second time since becoming the first non-European team to win the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2011. A total of 14 teams competed for the title, with Tahiti being joined by defending champions Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Paraguay and hosts Chile. The tournament began on September 1 with the final being held on September 9. A total of 13 matches were played in the Tahitian capital Papeete, including the final between Spain and Portugal. The Santiago's leg was played on September 4, featuring the third-place play-off.

FIFA Beach World Cup 2019

The next FIFA Beach World Cup will be held in the coastal town of San Francisco, California USA from July 25 to August 2. A total of 14 teams will compete with defending champions Spain, Portugal, Italy, England, and Paraguay and hosts the USA being the favorites to win the tournament. This will be the second time the USA has hosted the tournament. A total of 13 matches will be played in San Francisco, with the final being held on August 2.

FIFA Beach World Cup 2020

The 2020 FIFA Beach World Cup will be held in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza from July 19 to 27. The seaside city hosted the tournament back in 2003 and will become the first city to host the event a second time. A total of 14 teams will compete with the hosts' Brazil, Portugal, Italy, Tahiti, and reigning champions the USA being the favorites to win the tournament. A total of 13 matches will be played in Fortaleza, with the final being held on July 27.