The long-awaited FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 kicks off tomorrow, 1 May, marking a significant milestone for the island nation in hosting one of the most exciting international sporting events. This tournament, which will run until 11th May, not only brings together top beach soccer teams from around the world but also serves as a strategic avenue for Seychelles to amplify its tourism profile on the global stage.
As the host nation, Seychelles is well-prepared to provide a seamless experience for both participants and spectators. The tournament will feature 16 teams from across the globe, divided into four groups. Each group will engage in a series of thrilling round-robin matches, setting the stage for intense competition. The official fixtures for the opening day, 1 May, promise to showcase exciting clashes that will surely draw attention from sports enthusiasts worldwide.
The 13th edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ will see matches played at a purpose-built beach soccer stadium in Victoria on Mahé island—offering a state-of-the-art facility set against the stunning backdrop of Seychelles’ crystal-clear waters and powdery sands.
The 16 teams have been drawn into four groups as follows:
• Group A: Seychelles, Belarus, Guatemala, Japan
• Group B: Mauritania, IR Iran, Portugal, Paraguay
• Group C: Spain, Senegal, Chile, Tahiti
• Group D: Brazil, El Salvador, Italy, Oman
Opening day fixtures – 1 May:
• Guatemala vs Japan – 3:00 PM
• Mauritania vs IR Iran – 4:30 PM
• Seychelles vs Belarus – 7:00 PM
• Portugal vs Paraguay – 8:30 PM
Over 32 matches will be played, filled with high-octane energy, spectacular goals, and world-class flair—hallmarks of beach soccer’s growing global appeal.
More than just a sporting spectacle, the Beach Soccer World Cup represents a strategic move for Seychelles in positioning itself as a formidable player in the global sports tourism arena. With international teams, fans, and media descending upon its shores, the event presents an unparalleled opportunity to boost the nation’s visibility and reinforce its brand as a premium destination.
Tourism remains the backbone of Seychelles’ economy, and this tournament offers a timely post-pandemic boost. By aligning with FIFA’s prestigious calendar, Seychelles is telling the world that it is not only a paradise for leisure but a capable and vibrant host for international events.
The seamless organization, world-class hospitality, and security measures around the tournament further project Seychelles’ readiness to host similar gatherings in the future—appealing to both travelers and investors alike.
What sets Seychelles apart in hosting the Beach Soccer World Cup is its commitment to sustainability. As a small island developing state on the frontline of climate change, Seychelles has taken deliberate steps to ensure this global event mirrors its eco-tourism values.
From environmentally conscious infrastructure developments to the use of renewable energy in stadium operations and waste minimization campaigns, the country is setting a new standard in green event management. Local communities have also been actively engaged in conservation awareness campaigns surrounding the tournament.
This sustainability-first approach not only safeguards Seychelles’ delicate ecosystems but also educates thousands of visitors and viewers about how tourism, sports, and environmental stewardship can coexist harmoniously.
As the whistle blows to launch the first match on 1 May, Seychelles embarks on what may well be a transformative journey in sports and tourism diplomacy. For 11 days, this island jewel in the Indian Ocean will hold the world’s gaze—not just for the thrilling beach soccer action, but for the stories of nature, resilience, and vision it embodies.
