Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Terengganu: The Islamic Republic of Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Japan have completed the line-up for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Bahamas which begins next month.
The Asian trio’s presence was confirmed on Saturday after Iran beat the UAE 7-2 in the AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 final, while Japan earned their ticket to the global get-together following a third-place Play-off success against Lebanon.
Title winners Iran will have precious little time to rest on their laurels however, with Italy, African runners-up Nigeria and Mexico – their opening opponents on April 27 - awaiting them in what looks set to be a decidedly tricky Group B.
Mohamed Abbas’ UAE side, meanwhile, are in Group C where they have Paraguay, a highly-regarded Portugal team and reigning CONCACAF champions Panama for company. The Emiratis are scheduled to begin their campaign against Paraguay on April 28.
Japan, who along with Iran reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 Beach Soccer World Cup, have arguably the toughest task of all however, with pre-tournament favourites and four-time winners Brazil, Tahiti and European champions Poland alongside them in Group D.
Group A
Bahamas
Switzerland
Ecuador
Senegal
Group B
Nigeria
Italy
Islamic Republic of Iran (opening fixture: April 27 v Mexico)
Mexico
Group C
United Arab Emirates (opening fixture: April 28 v Paraguay)
Paraguay
Portugal
Panama
Group D
Brazil
Tahiti
Japan (opening fixture: April 28 v Poland)
Poland
Photo: FIFA / Getty Images