El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup is presented

The stage is set in San Salvador as the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup 2026 was officially presented today, marking the beginning of what promises to be the most significant edition of the tournament to date.

With the competition kicking off tomorrow, organisers, players, and officials gathered for the pre-tournament press conference to underline a shared ambition, elevate the global game while placing a powerful spotlight on women’s beach soccer, with Match day 1 officially themed “Own the Sand”, a dedicated campaign promoting equality, empowerment, and visibility in women’s beach soccer.

This initiative reflects the growing global movement to expand opportunities in the women’s game, a message echoed strongly throughout the press conference.

Alan Cavalcanti highlighted the importance of continued progress for Portugal:

“It is always positive to see the development of the women’s game around the world… I hope it continues to grow. Hopefully, next year we will have a World Cup, and perhaps it could even be held here in El Salvador.”

Among the standout moments of the tournament will be a historic first-ever meeting between Portugal and Brazil in women’s beach soccer, a fixture that signals the rapid rise in competitiveness and structure within the women’s game.

Rose Andrade underlined the significance of the occasion:

“This is our first opportunity to showcase our national team and I would like to thank the Brazilian Football Confederation for the structure and support given to the women’s team making it as professional as the men’s structure.”

The Brazilian coach also praised the level of organisation and support provided:

“We’ve received a warm welcome, and the facilities provided by INDES are excellent… Our expectations are the highest possible, we want to compete and honour the tournament.”

For many nations, the tournament represents more than competition, it is a key step in long-term development.

Fátima Leyva described the opportunity for Mexico’s emerging squad:

“Mexico is starting a new chapter, with a new generation. This is a great opportunity to face top-level national teams, it will be a valuable learning experience.”

For the host nation, the significance of the event goes beyond results.

Elías Ramírez expressed both gratitude and ambition for El Salvador Women:

“This is a very special tournament, and we would like to thank INDES and BSWW for their support. Playing against Portugal, Brazil and Mexico is a great joy for us, and we will learn a lot from them. We are all working towards the same goal of having a Women’s Beach Soccer World Cup.”

Veteran coach Rudis Gallo reinforced the importance of exposure at the highest level for El Salvador:

“We don’t have the opportunity to face teams of this level every day, so we must make the most of it… this is how we will continue to grow.”

While the women’s game takes a central narrative, the men’s competition also promises elite-level action, with traditional powerhouses and emerging nations sharing the stage.

Chicão Castelo Branco confirmed Brazil’s intent:

“This is an important tournament, and we have brought our best players… We have high expectations, fully aware of the quality we will be facing.”

Similarly, Colombia’s Santiago Alzate emphasised the tournament’s importance within a broader competitive cycle:

“We are starting a new cycle to prepare for the Copa América and to qualify again for the World Cup, this tournament is a key part of that preparation.”

For developing nations such as Denmark, the tournament provides invaluable experience.

Casper Dorph noted:

“Beach soccer is developing very well in Denmark, and tournaments like this are extremely helpful for that development. It is a great honour to be here.”

The 2026 edition will also mark the world debut of the new official Puma Beach Soccer Ball, with the Portugal vs Brazil match serving as the ball’s official first appearance, symbolising the start of a new season in international beach soccer.

Watch all matches live and for free on beachsoccertv.com