Ban Nam Khem:Phang Nga The UAE will commence their campaign at the 12th AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2026 against Saudi Arabia on 19th November in Group C. The tournament, featuring 12 teams, will be held in Ban Nam Khem in Thailand's southern province of Phang Nga, running until 28th November.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE is marking their 11th appearance in the Finals and eighth consecutive participation. As back-to-back champions in 2007 and 2008, they aim to reclaim contention for the continental title.
Saudi Arabia is preparing for their third consecutive and fourth overall participation, following their best-ever finish of fourth last year. Group C also includes Oman, the 2015 winners and last year's runners-up, and Uzbekistan, returning after missing the 2025 edition.
The tournament's format divides teams into three groups of four, with the winners and runners-up of each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, advancing to the quarter-finals on 25th November. The semi-finals will take place on 27th November, with the third-place playoff and final scheduled for 28th November.
In other groups, Group A includes Japan versus Bahrain and Thailand against Iraq. Group B features reigning record four-time champions Iran facing Afghanistan, while Lebanon meets Vietnam.
