Belarus defeat Azerbaijan in opening beach soccer friendly

MINSK, 30 April (BelTA) – The Belarusian national beach soccer team has enjoyed a successful start to their campaign with a win over Azerbaijan in the opening friendly, BelTA has learned.

Belarus beat the hosts 3-1 in Baku on 29 April. Ihar Bryshtel netted a brace for the visitors, while Mikita Chaikouski added another goal to the tally.

The second match in the Azerbaijani capital will take place on 30 April. Belarus currently ranks fourth in the world rankings, while Azerbaijan sits in 38th place.

In May, the Belarusian team will kick off the new Euro Beach Soccer League season. In Group A of the league’s top tier Division in El Puerto de Santa María, Spain, Belarus will face Türkiye on 20 May, Czechia on 21 May and Portugal on 22 May. Group B features Lithuania, Poland, Spain, and Switzerland. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

After the conclusion of the qualifying tournament in early August, eight participants will qualify for the superfinal, which is scheduled to take place in Viareggio, Italy, on 8-13 September. In 2025, Belarus secured the Euro League bronze medals for the third consecutive time, while in 2021 they were the silver medalists of the major continental tournament.