October 9 – The groups for the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 have been drawn following a ceremony at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in Dubai.
The 12th edition of the tournament, set to take place in February 2024, will see 16 nations battle it out for the beach football crown.
Hosts United Arab Emirates find themselves in Group A alongside debutants Egypt, Italy, and the USA. Group C introduces another newcomer to the finals, Colombia, facing off against Belarus, Japan, and Senegal.
Meanwhile, Group B promises intense competition with Argentina, IR Iran, Spain, and Tahiti battling for supremacy in a group studded with quality.
A mouthwatering clash awaits in Group D as Portugal, the 2015 and 2019 champions, take on record five-time winners Brazil. Meanwhile, Mexico and Oman are eager to spring surprises and secure a spot in the knockout stage.
Iran, coming off a third-place finish in their last global appearance, showcased their prowess by thrashing Japan 6-0 in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup final in March. Tahiti, with two runner-up finishes, and Spain, boasting one silver medal, add to the competition’s intensity.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice-President of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Supreme Local Organising Committee for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup said: “I wish to express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to organising this international sporting event, and I extend my appreciation to His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, President of the UAE FA, for his support to the local organising committee and the cooperation between FIFA, UAE FA and Dubai Sports Council.”
Speaking after the draw, Jaime Yarza, from FIFA added: “We are delighted today to have taken another giant step on the way to organising this exciting tournament, and now all 16 competing nations know their pathways to the possibility of becoming world champions. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is always one of the most fun, fast-paced and exciting events we organise – with more goals every game than in any other format of football.”
Group draw:
Group A: United Arab Emirates, Egypt, USA, Italy
Group B: Spain, IR Iran, Tahiti, Argentina
Group C: Senegal, Belarus, Colombia, Japan
Group D: Brazil, Oman, Portugal, Mexico
The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 will kick off on the February 15, and last for ten days. It was originally scheduled for a November 2023 start, but postponed due to concerns that organisers UAE wouldn’t be ready in time for the event.
It closely follows the final of the Asian Cup in Qatar, which completes February 10.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714302488labto1714302488ofdlr1714302488owedi1714302488sni@g1714302488niwe.1714302488yrrah1714302488