Soccer On The Beach

While beach volleyball gets a lot of attention, there is also a variation of soccer that is widely played throughout the world.

Although not as popular as its traditional game, Beach soccer is played in over 200 countries, with more than 30 major international events held annually, including both men's and women's competitions. The sport gained significant momentum when FIFA officially recognized it in 2005 and organized the first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Rio de Janeiro. The game is also being considered for inclusion in future Olympic Games.

Brazil won its 7th FIFA Beach World Cup in May. The U.S. team did not qualify for the tournament however they did finish third at the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Tournament.

In the United States, the Beach Soccer Championships were played in Oceanside, California.

There are no current professional beach soccer leagues but there are hundreds of club teams which participate in tournaments.

For more information on the rules: https://beachsoccer.com/laws-of-the-game?srsltid=AfmBOor-WzAowaXYhuxPPba1sIxLppBIcg6baYQSxRU-4CphLgiPuvT0

Several players are consistently recognized as top performers in beach soccer. Rodrigo Soares (Brazil) and Bê Martins (Portugal) are frequently nominated and have won the Best Player award. Jordan Santos (Portugal) is another standout, known for his experience and contributions to Portugal's success. Other notable players include Ozu Moreira (Japan), Mauricinho (Brazil), and Llorenç Gómez (Spain)

World Rankings: https://beachsoccer.com/rankings?srsltid=AfmBOoqgWb3GglX-mlC-s1696kVye-QbvTsjt3Bbk5Ka2swRUEWtOFhW