One of the biggest international footvolley events returned to Portugal, specifically to Albufeira and its magnificent Praia dos Pescadores, the grand amphitheater of the greatest sporting spectacle played on the sand.
Some of the sport's top international teams, representing countries such as Albania, Brazil, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Paraguay, the United Kingdom, and Portugal, shone at the highest level in their quest for the top spot on the podium.
The first day of competition, September 27th, began at 10:00 am, with the Group Stage taking place. In the men's competition, there were 12 teams representing 9 countries, and in the women's competition, there were 5 teams representing 3 nations. The teams progressed throughout the day, totaling 26 matches. The stadium, on the sands of the tourism capital, was filled with spectacle and excitement, as expected. A large crowd filled the stadium, well-worn to welcoming the best national and international footvolley.
As a result of the matches played and the four elimination matches that followed in the men's competition, four teams were immediately eliminated from the competition.
The second and final day of competition, September 28th, also began at 10:00 a.m. with the Quarterfinals in the men's competition and the Semifinals in the women's competition. Of the four matches played in the men's competition, the favorites ultimately confirmed their success, and in the first match of the morning between Brazil 1 and Portugal 3, victory could have gone to either team, with the score halting their march in a resounding 30-28, favoring the Brazilian duo. In the women's competition, the Portuguese national champion team of Luisa Siqueira and Inês Coelho were capable enough to defeat the Brazilian team Ágatha Salomão and Thaisa Pereira. In the second semifinal match, Amanda Hollerbach and Olivia Costa (Portugal 2) won in straight sets despite a strong response from the local Portuguese team, Ana Paula Cabrita and Joana Ribeiro.
In the men's semifinals, the spectacle and balance were dominant, with both matches going to three sets. In the first semifinal match, the Albanian duo defeated the Brazilian team with scores of 14-18, 18-14, and 11-15. In the second match, to find the other finalist, Portugal 1 defeated the equally strong Italian team, winning with scores of 18-15, 14-18, and 10-15.
In the third- and fourth-place qualifying match, the Brazilian team Ágatha Salomão and Thaisa Pereira defeated the local Portuguese team Ana Paula Cabrita and Joana Ribeiro.
In the men's competition, and in the fight for a final spot on the podium, the Italian team of Fede Iacopucci and Mirko Moi outclassed the Brazilian team of Juan Silva Pinheiro and Zé Moura.
Reaching the most decisive moments, but also coveted by all athletes and nations, one certainty: the final victory in the women's competition would be won by a Portuguese team, kicking off the first final of the afternoon. Luisa Siqueira and Inês Coelho (Portugal 1) faced off on one side, and Amanda Hollerbach and Olivia Costa (Portugal 2) faced off on the other. In a closely contested but also naturally exciting match, the teams evolved with many touches of quality in their play, with the national champions closing the first set with an 18-14 lead. Motivated and in great form, they accumulated important points that would prove decisive, closing the second set 18-11, immediately becoming the big winners of the world tournament.
To close another memorable event, in a fantastic natural setting where competitiveness, fair play, and good humor prevailed, the big winners of the men's competition had to be found. In a head-to-head match between Portugal 1 of Rodrigo Otero and Fábio Murraças, one of the most favored pairs in the match, and the surprising young Albanian team of Isli Bejtaga and Drini Bejtaga, the final match of the world event began. From the first point, it was clear that the match and the overall winner would be decided by the details. The Albanian team started better, closing the first set with a score of 18-14. In the second set, the Portuguese team finally showed why they should be finalists. With a more balanced game, they were able to win the second set and take the match to the "black" team. Above all, they witnessed a great sporting spectacle and great emotions both on and off the court. With the world title already on the horizon, there was a third and decisive set, with the physical aspect weighing mainly on the Albanian team, with the Portuguese team closing the score at 15-7, winning the match and consequently becoming, with great merit, the big winners of the competition.
While the top spot on the podium in the men's tournament was occupied by Portugal 1's Rodrigo Otero and Fábio Murraças, repeating their 2024 victory, followed by Albania's Isli Bejtaga and Drini Bejtaga (2nd place), Italy's Fede Iacopucci and Mirko Moi (3rd place), and Brazil's Juan Silva Pinheiro and Zé Moura (4th place). In the women's tournament, the top spot went to Portugal's Luisa Siqueira and Inês Coelho, followed by Portugal 2's Amanda Hollerbach and Olivia Costa (2nd place), Brazil's Ágatha Salomão and Thaisa Pereira (3rd place), and the local Portuguese duo of Ana Paula Cabrita and Joana Ribeiro (4th place).
The event and its most decisive moments were broadcast live worldwide on FutevoleiTV and Futevolei.PT.
Organized by the National Footvolley Federation, the event's main supporting entities were the Albufeira City Council, as well as several local partners.
