AIPS ASIA News:

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has underlined his confidence in Asia’s representatives at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 – the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan and Oman – to continue the Continent’s proud tradition at the showpiece, which will be held from May 1 to 11, 2025.

Scheduled to take place at the Paradise Arena in Victoria, Mahé island, Asian sides will draw inspiration from past successes having achieved at least a top four finish in the last four consecutive editions.

Shaikh Salman said: “On behalf of the entire Asian football community, I extend my best wishes to our three outstanding Asian teams – the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan and Oman – all of whom have demonstrated remarkable progress and performances in recent years.

“Their accomplishments, both in the region and across the world, reinforce the AFC’s commitment to achieving its Vision and Mission of always aspiring towards excellence on the global stage and I am confident that our representatives will make a significant and lasting impact in the Seychelles.”

Leading the Continent’s charge are none other than Japan, whose 2021 runners-up finish remains Asia’s best performance to date. The East Asians are set to feature in the opening match against Group A newcomers Guatemala on Thursday at 3pm.

The two-time Asian champions, who alongside powerhouses Brazil are the only nations to have qualified for every edition of the global showpiece, will also face UAE 2024 Dubai fourth-place finishers Belarus on Saturday, May 3, before turning their attention to the hosts and debutants Seychelles on Monday, May 5.

Joining them in the opening day action are the Islamic Republic of Iran, who will begin their campaign against debutants Mauritania in Group B at 4.30pm. Poised for their ninth appearance, the Central Asians, who finished third in their last two participations at the global finals, will also contend with 2017 Quarter-finalists Paraguay on Saturday before facing off against 2015 and 2019 champions Portugal two days later.

Meanwhile, Oman, who stunned three-time Asian champions Japan 3-2 in the Semi-finals of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 to book their place in the Seychelles, will open their account against three-time runners-up Italy in Group D on Friday, May 2, at 3 pm.

2011 fourth-place finishers El Salvador will aim to test the West Asians, featuring in their sixth FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, 48 hours later. The Reds will then have the challenge of facing the tournament’s most successful side, with six titles, Brazil, in their final group encounter on Tuesday, May 6.

Courtesy AFC