AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup
Three FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 spots are also up for grabs with Islamic Republic of Iran looking to defend the title they won at the same venue two years ago.
With the opening match just days away, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the Groups A and B cast.
Group A
Thailand
Previous appearances: 5
2023 result: Quarter-finals
Best result: Quarter-finals
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 0
Thailand will be playing hosts for the third time running, looking to once again break barriers after their best-ever achievement of reaching the quarter-final stage in 2023. They will be chasing an even better finish in this edition.
Kuwait
Previous appearances: 4
2023 result: Quarter-finals
Best result: Quarter-finals
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 0
Kuwait rose to the occasion in 2023 as they qualified for the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group D after wins over Palestine and Kyrgyz Republic. Japan were a step too far for them in the last eight but the West Asians will be no pushovers at Thailand 2025.
Lebanon
Previous appearances: 5
2023 result: Group Stage
Best result: 4th (2015, 2017)
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 0
Lebanon will feel they have something to prove after missing out on a place in the knockout stage for the first time in four editions two years ago with head coach Khaled Berjaui still in charge of the team.
India
Previous appearances: 1
2023 result: Did not qualify
Best result: Group Stage
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 0
India are making their return to the tournament for the first time since their debut appearance in 2007. Malaysian Mohd Faizal So’od has the task of ensuring India are competitive against the more experienced sides in the group.
Group B
Japan
Previous appearances: 10
2023 result: Runners-up
Best result: Champions (2009, 2011, 2019)
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 12
Japan will be going all out to regain their supremacy on the sands after IR Iran’s success in 2023 saw them go level with the East Asians on three titles each.
China PR
Previous appearances: 10
2023 result: Quarter-finals
Best result: 4th (2006, 2008)
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 0
Another side who have featured in every edition, China PR have yet to taste ultimate glory with two fourth place finishes being their best achievements. Exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage in 2023 will only serve to fuel them to hit higher heights this time around.
Saudi Arabia
Previous appearances: 2
2023 result: Group Stage
Best result: Group Stage
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 0
Back-to-back appearances at the Finals now for Saudi Arabia and the West Asian side will feel they have more to offer in this edition, having fallen at the group stage in 2023. Head coach Guga Zioccowick was able to prepare his team for longer, having been in camp for over two months.
Iraq
Previous appearances: 5
2023 result: Did not qualify
Best result: Group Stage
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 0
Iraq will leave nothing to chance as they look to make a big impression at Thailand 2025 after missing out on the 2023 edition. Former IR Iran assistant coach Abbas Hashem Pour is in charge of the team.
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