Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Beach Football (Beach Soccer)

Walking in soft sand is weary for the body; running in sand is positively tiring; playing football on sand is physically shattering for the body. 

Yet, that is what beach football, also known as beach soccer, is, precisely that. Although at first glance, it may appear to be a fun game played in exotic locations, unlike football and futsal, beach football is much slower, placing emphasis on technical play and high stamina.

A brief history of beach football

Brazil, having a strong beach culture and obsession with football, began taking the beautiful game beyond the football pitch and onto the beach. Beach football was originally played informally on beaches in South America, particularly in Brazil, where sandy shores provided the ideal setting for the sport’s early development. 

Improvising the style of play where an emphasis is placed on skill and stamina as opposed to pace and team play – led to a sport developing with a lot of dribbling, flair passing and goals. The sport was officially created and formalised in Rio de Janeiro, marking the first time a major tournament was hosted there.

Beach football rules were established to emphasise the role of the individual over the team, while promoting fair play among all participants. Initially conceived as an appreciated spectator sport, it quickly generated revenue from businesses looking to advertise to a new market audience. Media coverage and company sponsorships have contributed to the sport’s global recognition.

Beach football went on to spread across the world, even in regions with a lack of sand and sun-kissed nations. This rise in popularity led to the development of infrastructure and the global expansion of beach soccer, with Europe, Asia, and the USA playing key roles in its growth. The sport is played today by both women and men alike, with a growing following amongst children and young adults. The success of international tournaments hosted in cities like Moscow and the involvement of countries such as Canada have further elevated the sport’s profile. Hosts play a crucial role in organising major beach football events, but it is important to note that some regions or countries do not host women’s beach football tournaments, which impacts the growth of the sport for women.

Rules of beach football

Beach football, also known as beach soccer, has vastly different rules to football and futsal, primarily because the game is more physically demanding, has a technical standard, is played on a smaller pitch and its emphasis on winning. Unlike regular football, beach football features modified rules, a faster pace, and unique equipment requirements. The pitch has a rectangular shape, with specific dimensions that are smaller than those used in regular football.

Shoes and socks are not permitted in beach football, and players must play barefoot.

FIFA, as the global governing body, oversees the official rules and organisation of beach football.

Three twelve-minute ‘halves’

A beach football match is divided into three periods of 12 minutes each, with each period separated by a 3-minute break.

Unlike football, where the clock continues whenever there is an infringement or goal scored, the clock stops in a beach football match. This is to avoid time wasting and ensure spectators obtain a full game as they had paid for.

Due to the unique conditions of the soft-sand surface and smaller field size, players frequently attempt multiple shots on goal, with a typical match featuring around sixty goal-scoring attempts. This makes the game fast-paced and exciting for spectators.

Unlimited substitutions

In football, a team consists of five players on the pitch at one time—four outfield players and one goalkeeper. An unlimited number of substitutions are allowed during the game, and these can intriguingly take place whilst play is ongoing, as long as they are done within a designated area.

Unlimited substitutions are critical for teams as they can use it to replace tired players or make tactical changes as much as they like to influence the outcome of the game’s result.

Direct free-kicks only

No walls are allowed in free kicks, where the ball is set at where the infringement

occurred. The player who was fouled, unless injured, must take the free kick, and has four seconds to do so after the referee has blown their whistle. Failure to do so will result in the opposition being awarded a direct free kick.

Only penalties are taken within the penalty box. With penalties and no-wall direct free kicks, scoring goals in beach football is highly likely; thrilling spectators alike. For restarts, both throw-ins and kick-ins are permitted, allowing for a faster pace and continuous flow of the game.

Infringements

Players who are sent off, either through collecting two yellow cards or a direct red one, follow disciplinary measures similar to football’s rules; they can be replaced by a substitute after a two-minute penalty, keeping five players on the pitch. Replacements can join the pitch before those two minutes are up if the opposition scores with having an extra player on the pitch.

Playing beach football

Beach football has a unique style of play that differs from futsal and football.

Beach Flag is another fast-paced, skill-based beach sport where players pull flags from belts, similar to flag football, showcasing the diversity of beach-based games.

Unlike football or several other sports, beach football matches must either be won or lost by teams. A draw is not permitted.

Should the scores be level at the end of the three periods of play, then extra time is played, lasting three minutes. Should a team win, then they are awarded two points (in competition group stages) as opposed to a typical three points for a win. The score is tracked throughout the game, making it easy for players and spectators to follow the points and stay engaged.

If the extra time does not produce a winner, then a penalty shootout is played. Unlike football, there is no minimum of five penalties to be taken – only three are taken, and sudden death is from the beginning.

Although not permitted in football, yet likewise to futsal, goals cannot be scored immediately from kick-off, and there is no offside rule. Throw-ins can also be taken with feet as long as players hands.

Goalkeepers like other outfield players, have four seconds to get the ball into play. They are permitted to use their hands within their own penalty area, are allowed to dribble the ball out with their feet if required. The ball is served into play by the goalkeeper, either by throwing or kicking, to restart the match and set up plays. Goalkeepers are prohibited from scoring from a direct kick out of their goal or volleying the ball. Doing so will award a direct free-kick to the opposition. Outfield players are not permitted to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper unless an opponent has touched it first – again, to stop time wasting in the game.

Ultimately, the team that wins secures victory, marking a significant achievement in the competition.

Team strategy and tactics

Success in beach soccer demands a unique approach to strategy and tactics, setting it apart from regular football. With teams consisting of five players—including a goalkeeper, two defenders, and two forwards—each player must be versatile and ready to adapt to the ever-shifting landscape. The smaller pitch size and the use of both kick-ins and throw-ins to restart play encourage quick transitions and creative ball movement.

Teams often rely on rapid passing, agile footwork, and constant movement to outmanoeuvre their opponents. The unpredictable bounce of the ball and the soft surface require players to develop exceptional ball control and improvisational skills. The average game features around sixty attempts at goal, reflecting the sport’s relentless pace and attacking mindset. Goalkeepers play a crucial role, not only in defending the net but also in launching counterattacks and maintaining the flow of the game. In beach soccer, every player is involved in both attack and defence, making teamwork and adaptability essential for victory.

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

The beach soccer (football) world cup is held every two years and is the pinnacle for beach footballers, with games providing high-scoring results that spread the sport globally. 

The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is often hosted in June or July, with some tournaments and reviews taking place in April, December, March, February, and September. Although tournaments have existed since 1995, FIFA has governed the sport since 2005. At that time, FIFA officially recognised and partnered with Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW), acknowledging BSWW’s framework in organising and developing the sport, especially during major tournaments like the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

The Beach Soccer World Cup is renowned for providing ‘lesser’ football nations to stake their names on the football map, as in 2017, when the tournament was hosted in the Bahamas and Tahiti lost to Brazil in the final, with Iran finishing third.

Media and broadcasting

The rise of beach soccer has been fueled in part by its growing presence in the media. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is now broadcast in over 100 countries, bringing the excitement of the sport to millions of viewers around the world. Major tournaments and highlight reels are featured on television, radio, and a variety of online platforms, making it easier than ever for fans to follow their favourite teams and players.

Social media has played a significant role in the sport’s global expansion, with teams and players sharing behind-the-scenes content, match highlights, and training tips on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. This increased media exposure has helped beach soccer reach new audiences, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. As the sport continues to grow, its vibrant media presence ensures that the world’s beaches remain a stage for spectacular goals and unforgettable moments.

Fan engagement and participation

One of the most appealing aspects of beach soccer is its ability to engage fans both on and off the pitch. The sport’s open, festival-like atmosphere allows spectators to get close to the action, creating an electric environment at matches in countries like Brazil, Spain, and Portugal. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup draws thousands of passionate fans from around the world, turning each tournament into a celebration of skill and sportsmanship.

Beyond watching, fans can participate in the sport by joining local tournaments, leagues, or attending coaching clinics and training sessions. Beach soccer’s versatility makes it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels, whether they’re playing casually with friends or competing in organised events. This inclusive spirit has helped the sport build a loyal and diverse following, ensuring that beach soccer continues to thrive on beaches and in communities across the globe.

How to bet on beach football: know the game

At first glance, beach football may seem like a cousin of futsal or traditional 11-a-side football—but look closer, and you’ll find a game with its own unique rhythm and appeal. Played on soft sand with fewer players, shorter halves, and an unpredictable ball bounce, it’s a sport that rewards flair, agility, and precision.

Matches are typically played in three 12-minute periods, with five players per side, including the goalkeeper. The sandy terrain makes for spectacular overhead kicks, quick transitions, and more frequent goals than standard football formats.

What to consider when watching:

• Style of play: Games often favour creativity over structure, with players using creative techniques and strategies to adapt to the sand and unpredictable ball movement.
• Ex-footballers: Many national teams feature retired professionals with world-class skill sets.
• Venue conditions: Weather and sand quality can impact game flow.
• Tournament structure: Events are often short and intense, with back-to-back matches.

Players’ capacity to adapt to the demanding conditions—such as the soft sand, heat, and the need for quick recovery between matches—plays a crucial role in performance and outcomes.

If you’re curious about getting more involved, check out betting tipsters who follow niche sports. And for value seekers, arbitrage betting software may help when markets are thin.

Whether it’s the sun-soaked atmosphere or the unexpected brilliance of a bicycle kick, beach football offers a thrilling blend of sport and spectacle.