The Official Draw for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017, which will be played in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, between April 27 and May 7, 2017, took place this week at the Hotel Atlantis in Nassau.
The draw revealed hosts Bahamas will meet Switzerland, Ecuador and Senegal in Group A.
Arguably the most intriguing quartet of teams is in Group D, where four-time champions Brazil were drawn alongside 2015 runners-up Tahiti, European champions Poland and a yet-to-be-determined AFC opponent.
The draw ceremony was held in the special presence of the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie, Prime Minister Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Assisting in the draw ceremony were FIFA Legend Emerson, former midfielder for Brazil’s national football team and the Miss Bahamas Universe 2016 Cherell Williamson.
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 Official Draw:
Group A
Bahamas
Switzerland
Ecuador
Senegal
Group B
Nigeria
Italy
AFC 1
Mexico
Group C
AFC 2
Paraguay
Portugal
Panama
Group D
Brazil
Tahiti
AFC 3
Poland
IN THE MEANTIME, the 13 teams set to participate at the AFC Beach Soccer Championship Malaysia 2017 will battle it out as follows.
What: AFC Beach Soccer Championship Malaysia 2017
When: March 4-11
Where: Pantai Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Reigning champions Oman were drawn in Group B and will begin their title defence against Lebanon, Uzbekistan, and Thailand.
Japan, runners-up to Oman in 2015, are looking to claim a third title following their wins in 2009 and 2011, and have been draw in Group C alongside 2007 and 2008 champions United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq and Qatar.
Meanwhile, 2013 champions, Islamic Republic of Iran will meet Bahrain, China PR, Malaysia and Afghanistan in Group A.
AFC Beach Soccer Championship Malaysia 2017 Groups
Group A: IR Iran, Bahrain, China PR, Malaysia, Afghanistan
Group B: Oman, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Thailand
Group C: Japan, UAE, Iraq, Qatar
The group winners and the best second-placed team from the three groups will qualify for the semi-finals, the winners of which will advance to the final.
AFC Beach Soccer Championship Malaysia 2017 Opening Day Fixtures: March 4
Group A:
1400 (local time) China PR v Bahrain
1630 (local time) Afghanistan v Malaysia
The top three teams will fly the Asian flag at the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Bahamas which is scheduled to begin on April 27.
