2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup: Italy beat USA, Spain and Iran draw in pulsating 12-goal thriller

The 2024 edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup kicked off on Thursday in the United Arab Emirates to much fanfare, and the first day certainly didn’t disappoint. It all began with USA taking on Italy, where the Azzurri prevailed 3-1 in Group A.

Hosts UAE were up next, and narrowly saw off Egypt 2-1. In Group B, it was goals galore as Tahiti edged Argentina in a nervy 4-3 clash, whereas Spain and Iran played out a 12-goal thriller that ended in a 6-6 draw before the latter prevailed 3-1 on penalty.

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Russia are the defending champions, but owing to their ban from all FIFA competitions following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the side will be missing action at the UAE showpiece.

The other two remaining groups, C and D, will also kick off today. Debutants Colombia take on 2021 runners-up Japan, whereas Senegal are up against Belarus, in Group C. Meanwhile, Portugal faces Mexico and Brazil taking on Oman in Group D.

The top two sides from each group will reach the quarter-finals. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup finals are scheduled to take place on 25 February at the Dubai Design District.