Telemundo Deportes presents FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021

Telemundo Deportes, the Spanish-language home of the FIFA World Cup and all major FIFA tournaments, presents exclusive coverage of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia, the 11th edition of the premier beach soccer tournament that brings together 16 teams from around the world to compete in the Russian capital of Moscow, promising the best action and atmosphere.  The 11-day event kicks off Thursday, August 19 with four matches airing on Universo starting at 7:30 a.m. ET including USA’s debut against Russia, Paraguay taking on Japan, and Spain vs. Mozambique. All matches will air live on Universo. The final rounds will air live, beginning with the semis on Saturday, August 28 at 10:50 a.m. and the 3rd place and final match on Sunday, August 29 beginning at 10:30 a.m.     The coverage will be led by Telemundo Deportes’ Karim Mendiburu, Copán Álvarez, alongside Diego Pessolano, Walter Roque and special guest analyst, former captain of the USA Beach Soccer National Team, Oscar Gil.  

Telemundo Deportes’ digital platforms and social media platforms will complement match coverage throughout the tournament with daily recaps and highlights.

Among the 16 nations competing is returning champion Portugal, along with Brazil, Paraguay, USA, Spain, El Salvador and Uruguay. The roster also includes Belarus, Japan, Mozambique, Oman, Russia, Senegal, Switzerland, Tahiti, and United Arab Emirates.

A total of 192 players will be taking part in the tournament. Salvadorian Frank Velasquez leads his team after an 8 year absence in the tournament. Edson Hulk from Brazil was the top scorer in the Conmebol World Cup qualifiers is the team’s top star. In addition, Brazilian-born Ozu Moreira who is part of the Japanese squad, will be coach and captain of the team; and Francis Farberoff, former Telemundo Deportes Beach Soccer analyst, is now the head coach for the US National team.

The FIFA Beach World Cup takes place every two years. Beach soccer is played on sand and emphasizes skill, agility and accuracy in shooting at the goal. It’s the only version of soccer where no game can end in a tie. Regardless of the tournament phase, extra time and penalty kicks are played if a match is leveled at the end of regulation. This makes the games more intense and emotional, with teams playing more offensively and seeking to score.