The best sides in the world are set to descend on Dubai from Tuesday for the eighth edition of the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup, with a new 3,500-seater state-of-the-art stadium at Kite Beach playing host.
The competition has travelled this year to one of the most well-known beaches in the city, with the magnificent Burj Al Arab providing the perfect background for such a stunning event until finals day on November 10.
Defending Dubai and 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup champions Brazil should be the class of the eight-nation field once again. As for hosts the UAE, an improvement on 2017’s fifth-placed finish would represent a strong achievement with a much-changed side.
Spain represent the only debutants, thanks to finishing runners-up in the 2018 Euro Beach Soccer League.
“We have great expectations with the new venue,” said Saeed Hareb, general secretary of the Dubai Sports Council.
“It is in an iconic beach in the city, with one of the most beautiful backgrounds, and we are sure that the fans will love it. It will become the perfect stage for such a top-class competition.”
The amusement options will not be limited to the inside of the arena. The stadium will be surrounded by a vivid Fan Zone, where a range of different activities will make for a unique experience.
The 2017 AFC Beach Soccer Championship winners Iran were pipped to the title in Dubai 12 months ago.
Goalkeeper Peyman Hosseini is determined to convert an intense training camp in Portugal into silverware.
🏟️ The beach soccer stadium in Kite Beach is ready... 😍
— BeachSoccerWorldwide (@BeachSoccer_WW) November 4, 2018
The #HuaweiIntercontinentalCup #BeachSoccer travels to a new venue in one of the most iconic beaches in Dubai. https://t.co/71EBmPcrQl pic.twitter.com/FQqkCkwEZf
He said: “We come to Dubai with one idea in mind: winning the Cup. We have one goal and we are focused to accomplish it.
“Iran has made significant growth in the last years. Now we have a much more professional approach, on all levels.
“Of course we respect all teams above all, but we also feel that we are ready to contest against anyone.”
Entrance is free across all five days for spectators.
From Tuesday-Thursday, the countries are separated into two groups. They will then battle for final placings on Friday and Saturday.
