FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Seychelles 2025: Tough groups for African trio

The draw for the historic 16-team FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Seychelles 2025 was conducted on Friday, as the group stage opponents for the three African nations were revealed.

Hosts Seychelles, powerhouse Senegal and debutants Mauritania will all compete in the tournament that will be staged on the African continent for the first time from 1-11 May.

Seychelles are in Group A along with Belarus, debutants Guatemala and Japan, who along with Brazil are the only nation to appear at all 13 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups.

Mauritania have been drawn in Group B alongside Iran, two-time winners Portugal and Paraguay in a tough pool.

Senegal, who are the current African champions, are in Group C with Spain, Chile and two-time finalists Tahiti.

Group D contains defending champions Brazil and last year’s runners-up Italy in an epic re-match, as well as El Salvador and Oman.

The top two teams in each pool advance to the quarter-finals.

A colourful draw ceremony in Victoria, the Seychelles capital, opened with music with Bom Sé Sé, the official anthem of the competition, performed by local legend Elijah Seychelles and singer Taniah.

Mauritania coach Moussa Baghayogho savoured the moment: "I was so proud to see the Mauritanian flag flying among the greatest nations in our sport. It's an indescribable feeling."

A moment full of emotion before diving into the heart of the matter: Mauritania have been drawn into a tough group. A major challenge, but one that the Mauritanian coach refuses to approach as impossible.

"On paper, we are the minnows, but that doesn't mean anything to us. Now that we know our opponents, we will prepare to deliver the best possible performances and make our country and our continent proud."

For its part, Senegal, which will play its 10th FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, has gathered for a training camp in Dakar and followed the draw closely. 

Their emblematic captain, Al Seyni Ndiaye, is unequivocally confident: "We have a strong group, but Senegal fears no one. We will play every game with determination to prove that we are a world-class team. Our objective is clear: to finish at the top of this group."

In Spain, Tahiti and Chile, it is three new opponents for the Senegalese goalkeeper, despite the fact he is appearing at an impressive ninth global finals.

"With my nine participations in the World Cup, it's the first time I'm going to face these teams. Spain and Tahiti are references in beach soccer, while Chile is a novice on the world stage. But if they are here, it is because they have earned their place."

Between the ambition of the Senegalese, determination of Seychelles and the enthusiasm of the Mauritanians, the African representatives approach this FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup with very different perspectives. 

But with the same desire: to make their continent shine on the Seychelles sands.

FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP, SEYCHELLES 2025 GROUPS
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