MIAMI, Florida – The 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the United Arab Emirates kicks off on Thursday with the United States and Mexico serving as the Concacaf representatives in the tournament.

The U.S., who claimed the 2023 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship to reach the World Cup, have been drawn into Group A where they will face hosts UAE, Egypt and Italy.

The U.S. are appearing in their seventh Beach Soccer World Cup and first since 2021. In their previous six appearances, the U.S. did not advance past the group stage, so this year’s squad will be looking to make history.

Mexico, USA, learn group fate at Beach Soccer World Cup Draw

While FW and 2023 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship Best Player Award winner Nick Perera is unavailable due to injury, the U.S. still have the dynamic duo of Gabriel Silveira and Nicolas Perea.

Mexico finished as runners-up at the 2023 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship to punch their ticket to the UAE and will begin the tournament in Group D against Brazil, Oman and Portugal.

El Tricolor are also participating in their seventh Beach Soccer World Cup and first since 2019. Back in 2007 Mexico enjoyed their best finish when they reached the Final, only to fall to Brazil, thus finishing as runners-up.

Now a new generation of Mexico players will try to make another deep run in the tournament.

Mexico GK Gabriel Macias was a force to be reckoned with at the 2023 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship, taking home the Best Goalkeeper Award while also scoring four goals.

The U.S. begin play on Thursday against Italy, while Mexico will debut on Friday versus Portugal.