Brazil defend their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup title in Seychelles

The Brazilians claimed their seventh title after defeating Belarus in the final

Final
Brazil win 4-3 against Belarus.
In a captivating showdown, Brazil edged past a valiant Belarus side to claim their record-extending seventh FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup title in front. Belarus, bronze medalists in the last edition, were contesting their first-ever final. Brazil struck early, as Lucão slid in a goal early in the opening period, finishing off a sharp assist from Filipe Silva to give their side a 1-0 lead. Belarus responded midway through the period when Novikau fired home to make it 1-1.

Momentum shifted swiftly in the second period. Within a minute of the restart, Rodrigo and Catarino struck in quick succession to extend Brazil’s lead to 3-1. Belarus fought to regain control, but Brazil’s organised defence and game management saw them maintain the two-goal cushion heading into the third period.

The final period brought a dramatic twist. Belarus talisman Bryshtsel capitalised on a defensive lapse to pull one back midway through, before converting a clinical spot kick moments later to level the score at 3-3, however, Brazil’s experience shone through in the dying moments. Captain Rodrigo, already on the scoresheet, launched a decisive strike from the halfway line straight into the net to seal a 4-3 victory with just a minute to play. Brazil celebrated yet another world crown, while Belarus departed with their heads held high after an inspiring run that saw them reach their first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup final.

Third place
Portugal win 3-2 against Senegal.
Portugal edged past Senegal 3-2 to claim the bronze medal at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Senegal were aiming to make history as the first African nation to reach the podium, while two-time champions Portugal were targeting their seventh overall medal. Senegal struck first early in the opening period as Diatta’s driven shot took a bounce in front of the Portuguese goalkeeper and deflected into the net to give Senegal a 1-0 lead in the first period.

The second period saw a high level of tactical discipline and intensity from both sides. Despite several powerful attempts and key saves, neither team could alter the scoreline, and Senegal carried their narrow 1-0 lead into the final period.

Portugal equalised just two minutes into the third period when Bé Martins’ backheel deflected off Senegal’s Gadiaga for an own goal, bringing the score to 1-1. Midway through the period, Sidy restored Senegal’s lead with a remarkable long-range strike from deep in his half. Despite the setback, the Portuguese side responded almost immediately as Coimbra dived in for a clinical header to make it 2-2. With two minutes left on the clock, Portugal earned a spot kick which Lourenço calmly converted with a low finish to the left corner to give earn his nation the bronze medal.

Individual awards
During the awards ceremony in Seychelles, individual awards were given out to the top performers from the competition. The awards given out were the Golden Ball, Silver Ball, Bronze Ball, Golden Scorer, Silver Scorer, Bronze Scorer, Golden Glove and the FIFA Fair Play award.

Golden Ball: Rodrigo
Silver Ball: Ihar Bryshtsel
Bronze Ball: Be Martins
Golden Scorer: Ihar Bryshtsel
Silver Scorer: Andre Lourenço
Bronze Scorer: Rodrigo
Golden Glove: Mikhail Avgustov
FIFA Fair Play Award: Japan