How BSC 54, Higicontrol Melilla, and GD Sesimbra claimed victory in a record-breaking ten days of play.
The 2026 Euro Winners Cup in Nazaré, Portugal, served as the ultimate stage for the continent’s premier club competition. Across ten days of relentless, high-stakes competition from June 5th to 14th, the tournament brought together 35 men’s teams, 24 women’s teams, and 16 challenge participants, totalling 75 elite clubs from across Europe. With hundreds of world-class athletes converging on the Portuguese coast, the event showcased the sheer scale and intensity of modern beach soccer, culminating in a historic final day that crowned new champions across all three categories.
Men’s Euro Winners Cup: BSC 54 Seize the Crown
In a thrilling finale, BSC 54 (Switzerland) reached the pinnacle of European club beach soccer. Their path to the trophy was defined by tactical resilience and clinical efficiency, navigating a gruelling bracket to reach the final. The championship showdown was a masterclass in pressure management, culminating in a dramatic 6-4 victory over a formidable BSC Minsk (Belarus) side. While Minsk pushed the Swiss to the limit, the tactical discipline and experience of BSC 54 side allowed them to control the tempo and secure their inaugural European crown.
Podium Highlights:
- Champions: BSC 54 (SUI)
- Runners-up: BSC Minsk (BLR)
- 3rd Place: Lenergy Pisa BS (ITA), who defeated Falfala KQ BSC 9-6 in a high-octane offensive masterclass to secure their spot on the podium.
Tournament Statistics:
- Matches: 85 total matches played.
- Total Goals: 808 goals scored.
- Average Goals per Match: 9.51 goals, highlighting the attacking nature of this year’s competition.
Individual Awards:
- MVP: Glenn Hodel (BSC 54)
- Top Scorer: Brendo (Beach Royals Düsseldorf) – 32 goals
- Best Goalkeeper: Mikhail Avgustov (BSC Minsk)
Women’s Euro Winners Cup: A Historic Dynasty
The women’s tournament saw the continuation of an unparalleled era of dominance. Higicontrol Melilla (Spain) reaffirmed their status as the “Queens of European Beach Soccer,” defeating rivals Barcelona BSC 2-1 in a tense, all-Spanish final.
The event welcomed 24 clubs from 13 different nations. The draw, conducted on 13 May, set the stage for a highly competitive group stage, bringing together the best women’s squads from across the continent to compete for the European crown.
Podium Highlights:
- Champions: Higicontrol Melilla (ESP)
- Runners-up: Barcelona BSC (ESP)
- 3rd Place: Red Devils Ladies Chojnice (POL), who overcame ACD O Sótão 7-4 in a high entertaining thriller to claim bronze.
Individual Awards:
- MVP: Fabiana Vecchione (Higicontrol Melilla)
- Top Scorer: Varvara Bychkova (Cagliari BS) – 13 goals
- Best Goalkeeper: Lele Lopes (Higicontrol Melilla)
Euro Winners Challenge: GD Sesimbra Take Top Honors
The Euro Winners Challenge once again served as a vital hotbed for emerging talent and high-intensity, developmental matchups. GD Sesimbra (Portugal) emerged as the undisputed victors, showcasing a dominant, fluid style of play throughout the event. Their final clash against Marseille BT was the ultimate test of nerves; after a grueling 4-4 stalemate in regulation time, the Portuguese side held their composure to clinch the title in a nail-biting tie-breaker.
Podium Highlights:
- Champions: GD Sesimbra (POR)
- Runners-up: Marseille BT (FRA)
- 3rd Place: GDU Ericeirense (POR), who edged out Naxos BS in a 7-6 nail-biter, proving the depth of quality in the field.
Individual Awards:
- MVP & Top Scorer: Pedro Lucas (GD Sesimbra)
- Best Goalkeeper: João Oliveira (GD Sesimbra)
The 2026 events in Nazaré didn’t just crown winners; they highlighted the incredible growth, tactical evolution, and depth of the sport. As the sand settles on another historic edition, the passion and skill displayed across all three competitions ensure that beach soccer continues to reach new heights globally, leaving fans already looking forward to the 2027 edition.
Photo Credits: BSWW
