STORE 
MY BEACH SOCCER 
The buzz around the event reaches Mexico
The Mexican Football Federation, together with Beach Soccer Worldwide and Mundo Imperial, co-hosted a press conference in Mexico City to officially present the 2026 edition of the Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup to local media.
Mauricio Bailón, Director General of Sporting Development at the FMF, stated:
“For the Mexican Football Federation, it is a great honour to have been chosen by Beach Soccer Worldwide. Mexico has a strong tradition of hosting major international events, and this is the ideal stage to demonstrate that Acapulco is standing strong. We are working together to continue organising beach soccer and futsal competitions twice a year, with the aim of promoting the development of these FIFA-recognised disciplines.”
Josep Ponset, Events Director at Beach Soccer Worldwide, highlighted the rapid progress made in recent months:
“In just six months, we have achieved something remarkable: the reactivation of both the men’s and women’s beach soccer national teams. In addition, this event will be broadcast in several countries around the world, making it an extraordinary platform to promote Acapulco as a tourist destination.”
Madjer, Technical Coordinator of the Portuguese Football Federation, underlined the importance of international competition:
“For us, it is very important to compete against teams from other continents. Learning their tactics and adapting to different styles of play is what prepares you for a World Cup. We are also here to share what we have learned in Portugal with other federations.”
The head coach of Mexico’s women’s beach soccer national team Fatima Leyva Morán spoke about the current state of the discipline in the country:
“Today, beach soccer in Mexico is moving in a new direction. We have identified players through three national tournaments—in Tamaulipas, Yucatán and Mexico City—and what we are seeing is a group of young girls eager to learn and falling in love with the sport. That is the greatest satisfaction.”
Meanwhile, Mexico men’s national team head coach Gabriel Macías emphasised the importance of such tournaments for the development of the sport:
“Beach soccer needs to grow in Mexico, and this tournament will help us identify where we need to improve. Our ambition is to qualify for a World Cup, and that journey begins here in Acapulco, in front of our fans.”
Emilio Vazquez, tourism sub-secretary from the Government of Guerrero highlighted the key role of sports tourism in the region’s strategy, noting that hotel occupancy exceeded 90% during Easter 2026 and that the destination currently offers more than 17,000 available rooms.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup will also feature community initiatives. The Beach Soccer Foundation will once again organise with the FMF and Mundo Imperial, beach clean-up activities and beach soccer clinics for children, reinforcing the event’s social and environmental impact.
