Seychelles Shines on the Global Tourism Stage as It Hosts the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025, Bringing Global Attention to Its Pristine Beaches and Sustainable Tourism

Published on April 7, 2025

As Seychelles prepares to host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup from May 1 to May 11, 2025, the island nation is set to become the center of the global tourism spotlight. This prestigious sporting event, which will attract 16 of the world’s top beach soccer nations, offers an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Seychelles’ natural beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant Creole culture.

With its idyllic white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Seychelles is already a top-tier destination for travelers seeking exclusivity and natural beauty. The Beach Soccer World Cup is poised to elevate Seychelles even further by attracting global media attention and spotlighting the nation’s tourism offerings to millions of viewers worldwide.

The Teams and Groups of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025

The tournament will feature 16 countries divided into four groups:

• Group A: Seychelles, Japan, Guatemala, Belarus
• Group B: Brazil, Portugal, Oman, Mexico
• Group C: Iran, Spain, Tahiti, Argentina
• Group D: Senegal, Colombia, Italy, USA

This edition of the tournament is historic, as it marks the first time the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be hosted on the African continent. Seychelles is leveraging this milestone to not only showcase its natural wonders but also to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable tourism and international collaboration.

A National Milestone and Global Opportunity

For Seychelles, hosting the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is more than just a sporting event — it is a symbol of national unity, resilience, and global ambition. President Wavel Ramkalawan emphasized this in his opening speech during the official draw in Victoria, Mahé, underscoring the importance of the event for both Seychelles and the broader African continent. He said:

“This is a great day for Seychelles, and a great day for Africa. As the world watches, we invite you not only to enjoy the competition but also to discover the many treasures of our islands.”

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The games are expected to boost Seychelles’ tourism industry significantly, with global media coverage driving interest in both the sporting event and the destination itself.

FIFA’s Commitment to Sustainability

The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025 in Seychelles is also notable for its sustainability initiatives. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who spoke at the draw via video, praised Seychelles’ efforts to incorporate sustainable practices into the tournament. He noted:

“This is the first FIFA tournament to be staged in Seychelles and the first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Africa. The idyllic country will provide a stunning backdrop for players, coaches, officials, and fans from around the world.”

Infantino highlighted the use of sustainable infrastructure, specifically the stadium that will be used for the event. The structure, previously used in Dubai, was transported by sea to Seychelles to minimize its carbon footprint, and will remain in the country for future public use.

Seychelles’ Tourism Strategy for Post-Tournament Growth

The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup presents Seychelles with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance its global tourism profile. Tourism Seychelles is taking full advantage of the event, with Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Marketing, emphasizing the link between sports diplomacy and destination marketing:

“From May 1 to May 11, Seychelles will not only host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup — it will welcome the world. It is promised to be fun. Seychelles awaits you.”

Tourism Seychelles plans to leverage the event by promoting sustainable tourism, cultural immersion, and healthy living, aligning with the island nation’s broader tourism campaigns. The combination of sports tourism and eco-tourism is expected to appeal to both environmentally conscious travelers and those seeking an authentic cultural experience.

Unique Travel Experiences to Complement the Tournament

Seychelles is preparing to offer visitors much more than just beach soccer. The Local Organising Committee, in collaboration with Tourism Seychelles, is curating a series of cultural events, island-hopping tours, Creole cuisine tastings, and marine conservation tours. This holistic tourism experience will allow visitors to explore Seychelles beyond the tournament, enriching their stay with a blend of nature, culture, and history.

With its distinct Creole culture and abundance of natural wonders, Seychelles is positioning itself as a premier destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is just the beginning — the event marks a new chapter in Seychelles’ tourism journey, where sports, sustainability, and cultural experiences intersect.

Looking Beyond the Final Whistle

Once the final whistle blows on May 11, 2025, Seychelles hopes to be remembered not only for its role as a host of an international sporting event but also as one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations. The island nation is taking center stage and will use the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup as a platform to solidify its position as a global tourism hub, with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, culture, and innovation.

With continued international exposure, Seychelles is poised for long-term tourism growth, and its strategic focus on eco-tourism and local engagement is set to deliver a lasting legacy that will benefit the nation for years to come.