The AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025 is set to ignite the sands of the Jomtien Beach Arena in Pattaya, with 16 teams vying for continental glory and a place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025.
Battle for Supremacy on Thai Shores
Returning to Thailand for the third time, the 11th edition of the tournament promises high-octane action from March 20 onwards. Defending champions Iran will be joined by four former winners—Japan, UAE, Oman, and Bahrain—while 13 teams from the 2023 edition return in pursuit of the title. Notably, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam will seek their maiden victories on the grand stage.
Japan, Iran, and China PR maintain their record as ever-present participants in the tournament’s history. Meanwhile, host nation Thailand will look to build on their best-ever quarter-final finish in 2023.
Road to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup
The stakes are high, with the top three teams securing qualification for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Historically, only six Asian nations—Bahrain, Iran, Japan, Oman, UAE, and Thailand—have reached the global stage, with Japan’s 2021 runners-up finish standing as the continent’s best performance.
Opening Matches Promise Excitement
The competition kicks off with a blockbuster Group B clash between three-time champions Japan and Iraq at 3:30 PM. Japan, the most successful team in tournament history with 35 wins and nine finals appearances, will aim for another deep run. Later, China PR faces Saudi Arabia in the second Group B fixture at 6:30 PM.
Group A action begins at 5:00 PM, featuring Kuwait against Lebanon, both seeking to improve on past performances. The day concludes with Thailand’s much-anticipated showdown against India at 8:30 PM. India’s return to the competition after an 18-year hiatus marks the longest absence for any participating team.
Heavyweights Enter on March 21
Reigning champions Iran take center stage on the second day, facing Indonesia in Group C at 3:30 PM. Two-time winners UAE battle Afghanistan at 6:30 PM, while 2015 champions Oman meet Vietnam in Group D at 5:00 PM. The final match of the day sees Bahrain take on Malaysia at 8:30 PM in a rematch of their thrilling 6-5 encounter in 2017.
With powerhouses and emerging teams alike in contention, the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025 promises an electrifying showcase of skill, passion, and drama on the sand.
Eleven groups drawn as 44 teams begin the road to Saudi Arabia 2026. Qualifiers kick off this September across Asia.