Beach football is often associated with summer and warm weather, but this sport, officially recognized by FIFA since 2005, is played year-round in different parts of the world. 

Born on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro in the 1940s, beach football grew in importance over the decades, especially in the 1990s, when stars like Cantona, Romário, and Zico joined their national teams to compete in the first international tournaments. 

In this article, you’ll dive into the history of beach football, explore the major tournaments, relive Portugal’s achievements, and feel the passion that continues to fill the sands every summer. 

The History of Beach Football

The first professional tournament was organized under the supervision of Beach Football Worldwide, in Miami Beach, with the participation of the national teams of the USA, Italy, Brazil, and Argentina. The success of this event led to another tournament on Copacabana Beach and, shortly after, the first Beach Football World Championship. 

With increased television exposure and the support of major sponsors, the sport gained recognition and was officially integrated into FIFA in 2005. From then on, the FIFA Beach Football World Cup became a landmark event, held annually during its first five editions and, since 2009, every two years. 

Until 2007, all editions were held in Brazil. In 2008, Marseille hosted the first World Cup outside the country, paving the way for other venues: United Arab Emirates (2009), Italy (2011), Tahiti (2013), Portugal (2015), Bahamas (2017), Paraguay (2019), Russia (2021), once again the United Arab Emirates (2023), and Seychelles (2025). The next edition of the FIFA Beach Football World Cup is scheduled for 2027, with the host country yet to be confirmed. 

Continental Competitions 

In addition to the World Cups, continental tournaments are organized by FIFA’s confederations. In Europe, the Euro Beach Football League stands out as the main professional competition for UEFA national teams. Portugal is the dominant force, with eight titles won, reinforcing its status as a global powerhouse in the sport. 

Beach Football in Portugal 

Portugal is the only national team to win world titles both before and after FIFA’s integration of the sport. The Portuguese connection with beach football is long-standing, with informal matches played for decades along the country’s extensive coastline. 

The real breakthrough came in 1997, with the organization of the first Beach Football Mundialito in Figueira da Foz, a city recognized as the cradle of major beach football competitions in Portugal. 

During the beach football Worldwide era, Portugal won the 2001 World Cup, in addition to two runner-up finishes (1999 and 2002) and two third-place finishes (2003 and 2004). To these achievements, we can add eight Euro Beach Football League titles, seven Euro Beach Football Cups, seven Mundialitos, and medals at the European Games (gold in 2019 and bronze in 2015). 

Madjer’s Legacy and FIFA World Titles 

The ultimate consecration came with the legendary Madjer, the first beach football player in the world to surpass 1,000 international goals. In 2015, Portugal won the World Cup held on Espinho Beach, defeating Tahiti 5-3 in the final and becoming FIFA Beach Football World Champion for the first time. 

Four years later, in 2019, the team shone again by beating Italy 6-4 in the final of the World Cup in Paraguay, securing its second FIFA world title. This match also marked Madjer’s farewell from the international stage after a career filled with individual awards, including three Golden Boots and two Golden Balls at FIFA World Cups. 

In addition to the two world titles, Portugal has also achieved one runner-up finish, four third-place finishes, and one fourth-place finish at FIFA World Cups. 

National Structure of Beach Football

International success led to the creation of the National Beach Football League in 2005, the result of collaboration between several regional football associations and local entities. Played between May and July, the competition toured different regions of the country. 

In 2010, the league evolved into the Portuguese National Beach Football Championship, organized by the Portuguese Football Federation. This tournament is still held every year in July and August, bringing together the best clubs and players in the country. 

The Future of Beach Football in Portugal 

Today, beach football is a global sport, with international and continental competitions attracting millions of fans. Portugal, with its history of achievements and unforgettable talents like Madjer, remains one of the world’s leading references. 

With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon and the National Championship continuing to energize Portuguese beaches every summer, beach football promises to keep growing in popularity and competitiveness.