The Persian Beach Soccer Cup returns to Iran for a second year when the defending champions seek to retain their title against visitors from Azerbaijan, Spain and Ukraine.

Held in Bushehr once again, this time between January 27th and 29th, the second edition of the competition will see some of Europe’s best nations take and top talent take on the Asian champions in what will be Iran’s first outing of 2018.

Marco Octavio’s men were last in competitive action at the Huawei Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup in Dubai in November of last year, where they finished third after defeating Russia 4-2 in the their final-day play-off.

Octavio names a similarly strong squad for their first tournament of the year as they prepare to face European heavyweights Spain and Ukraine as well as a talented Azeri outfit.

Spain head into 2018 off the back of an impressive victory at the Copa Lagos in December last year, where they overcame Nigeria, Morocco and Lebanon to lift the title in what was their maiden appearance at the tournament.

A fourth-place finish at the Euro Beach Soccer League cemented their reputation as one of the continent’s best nations while Ukraine, despite surrendering their European crown, remain tricky customers.

European champions in 2016, Ukraine failed to defend their title but sit just three spots below 13th-placed Spain in the continent’s ranking.

Completing the line-up are Azerbaijan, who continued their steady improvement in recent years by remaining in Europe’s top tier following promotion in 2016.

Not yet the finished package, Azerbaijan are not to be underestimated and will hope to spring a surprise or two in Bushehr.