The draw for the seventh edition of the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup took place in Dubai this morning as the eight teams were separated into two groups ahead of the event’s kick-off on October 31st.

This year’s competition runs until November 4th and will take place at a new venue in Business Bay, with hosts UAE going up against Egypt, Portugal and defending champions Brazil in Group A.

Group B is similarly competitive and will see former winners Iran and Russia take on Mexico and Paraguay in an event that remains one of the most popular in the calendar among both fans and players.

During the draw, which took place at Dubai Sports Council headquarters, General Secretary HE Saeed Hareb, reiterated the shared desire to maintain the successful relationship between Dubai and beach soccer and discussed his excitement at the new competition’s new venue.

“We are very happy to announce the new venue of the competition, at Business Bay, part of Dubai Properties,” he said.

“This new venue will offer great possibilities, with the amazing skyline of Dubai as the background, and with a perfect location, close to the Burj Khalifa.

“The event will offer great competitiveness once again this year, with excellent teams, all of them with real options to win the cup.”

Joan Cusco, Beach Soccer Worldwide’s Executive Vice-president, added: “Thanks to the Dubai International Marine Club for the great years they have hosted the event.

“Now, due to external reasons, the time has come to move to a new venue, which we are sure will help to push the event forward. We are absolutely delighted with the new venue at Business Bay, and we are certain that fans will adore it.”

Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup 2017 draw

Group A: UAE, Egypt, Portugal, Brazil

Group B: Mexico, Iran, Paraguay, Russia