Everything You Need to Know About Beach Football
Football has been played casually on beaches for many years until the establishment of Beach Soccer Worldwide, which aimed to formalize the game's regulations. This initiative gave rise to Beach Soccer, which quickly gained popularity. The unique characteristics of the soft-sand playing surface result in a distinct style of play compared to traditional football, emphasizing improvisation. The smaller, compact field enables players to shoot from virtually any position on the sand, resulting in an average of sixty goal attempts per match. With a scoring frequency of approximately one goal every three to four minutes, an average game typically sees around eleven goals scored.
Each team is composed of five players, which includes the goalkeeper, and there is no limit on the number of substitutions that can be made. The use of throw-ins and kick-ins contributes to a quicker pace and flow of the game compared to traditional football. Players are not permitted to wear shoes or socks, although ankle guards are allowed. The duration of a match is 36 minutes, divided into three segments of 12 minutes each.
A Brief History of Beach Football

The origins of beach football, known as futebol de areia, can be traced to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Initially, the sport was played by children and young adults using tattered balls and improvised goals. A number of the early participants engaged in the game on the sand to shield their bare feet from the harsh playing surfaces prevalent throughout the city.
The first official beach soccer tournament took place in 1950. Since that time, the sport has experienced growth in both its popularity and recognition. This abbreviated format of the game is now broadcast on television, with over 170 countries participating in an official manner.
The Growing Popularity of Beach Soccer
In recent years, numerous initiatives and programs worldwide have garnered larger audiences. A notable event took place on Copacabana Beach in 1994, marking the first event to draw a global television viewership. The event's immense popularity led to the establishment of the Pro Beach Soccer Tour merely two years afterward.
After several years of growth and the creation of bodies such as Beach Soccer Worldwide and the Euro Beach Soccer League, FIFA took control as the global governing body of the game in 2005. Today, the game is more popular than ever — both in terms of a televisual spectacle and as a grassroots participation sport.
The Rules of Beach Soccer
The Pitch — Any typical, fine-sand beach should be suitable for beach football. However, prior to the initiation of play, it is essential to delineate the area using training cones or markers. Additionally, it is crucial to remove any pebbles, seaweed, shells, or other objects that could potentially lead to injuries or falls. It is important to note that beach football is played without footwear.
The official dimensions for a beach soccer field, as established by FIFA, range from 35 to 37 meters in length and 26 to 28 meters in width. The penalty area encompasses the region within 9 meters of the goal, typically indicated by a yellow flag. The halfway line is delineated by two red flags positioned on opposite sides of the field.
The standard dimensions of a beach soccer goal are 2.2 meters in height from the sand to the bottom of the crossbar and 5.5 meters in width.
The playing area is much smaller than that used in association football, so teams usually consist of just giving players — including the keeper. Depending on the specific competition, each team may have between three to five substitutes available, although unlimited substitutions are permitted. Kick-ins serve as an alternative to traditional throw-ins. Notably, there are no goal kicks in beach soccer; instead, the goalkeeper is required to throw the ball to a teammate, although goals cannot be scored directly from this action.
Matches are divided into three periods, each lasting 12 minutes, during which the clock halts whenever the ball is not in active play. In the event that the teams are level after the completion of 36 minutes, an additional three minutes of extra time is played, which may be succeeded by a penalty shoot-out if necessary.
Fouls committed within the penalty area result in the awarding of penalties, while direct free-kicks are granted for other infractions. Similar to traditional soccer, beach soccer also employs red and yellow cards. Notably, a team that has a player sent off may substitute a replacement two minutes after the dismissal. Additionally, if the opposing team scores within this two-minute period, the penalized team is permitted to introduce a substitute immediately.
Five significant steps in the history of Beach Soccer
1950: The first official beach soccer tournament was created in Rio de Janeiro (BRA) to unite small neighbourhood competitions.
1992: Beach Soccer Worldwide was founded in Los Angeles (USA), which aimed to regularise the Beach Soccer sport.
1996: The Pro Beach Soccer tour started, which included a total of 60 games in two years across South America, Europe, Asia and the United States
2005: The first Men’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is hosted in Rio de Janeiro (BRA), as FIFA becomes the global governing body of Beach Soccer, acknowledging BSWW’s framework.
2021: The Women’s Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup, the nemesis of the Men’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is hosted for the first time in Moscow (RUS).
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