That special time of year has come around once more, as one of beach soccer’s flagship events touches down on the Arabian Peninsula yet again.

The ninth edition of the Intercontinental Cup Dubai is set to return to Kite Beach between 5 and 9 November and hosts UAE will be joined by defending champions Iran, Egypt, Italy, Spain, AFC kings Japan, CONCACAF champs Mexico and three-times Intercontinental Cup winner Russia in this unique beach soccer showpiece.

The official draw held with the assistance of former Real Madrid player Míchel Salgado, sorted the eight teams into two groups of four:

Group A: UAE, Japan, Italy and Spain

Group B: Russia, Iran, Mexico and Egypt

The 2019 tournament will not see any debutants hit the sand in the United Arab Emirates, but it will only be a second appearance for Italy and Spain, while Russia maintain their record of being the only side, other than their Emirati hosts, to take part in every single edition.

Russia share the record for the most Intercontinental Cups won with Brazil (3), and the 2019 edition could be the perfect opportunity for Mikhail Likhachev’s men to lift trophy number four.

However, defending champions Iran will also be keen to make the most of the absence of Gilberto’s Brazilians, as they could draw level with Brazil and Russia should they retain the Intercontinental Cup and clinch a third title this year.