Footvolley World Tour puts Albufeira in international spotlight

Some of the world’s best footvolley players were in Albufeira over the weekend as the Footvolley World Tour 2026 attracted athletes from 10 countries and thousands of spectators to Praia dos Pescadores.

Held between July 10 and 12 as part of Albufeira’s European City of Sport 2026 programme, the tournament featured elite men’s and women’s competitions alongside live international broadcasts that showcased the Algarve destination to audiences around the world.

The event brought together players from Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, Albania, Israel and the United Kingdom, including two Brazilian pairs ranked among the world’s best and Portugal’s two-time national champions Juan Silva and Rodrigo Otero.

A total of 16 men’s pairs and nine women’s teams competed in a double-elimination format, with the purpose-built arena on Praia dos Pescadores attracting large crowds throughout the three-day competition.

Brazilian success

Brazil’s Sandrey and Michel claimed the men’s title after defeating fellow Brazilians Índio and Felipe in the final.

Italy’s Fede Iacopucci and Ludovico Alonzi finished third, while Portugal’s Juan Silva and Rodrigo Otero narrowly missed out on a podium place in fourth.

In the women’s Open tournament, Austria’s Antonia Missethan and Julia Sauer-Rauch took first place ahead of Spain’s Yosy Silva and Sara Cupellini.

The competition was broadcast live on the sport’s digital platforms and A Bola TV, extending Albufeira’s visibility to international audiences.

Municipal officials said hosting events of this scale forms part of Albufeira’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading destination for sports tourism while holding the title of European City of Sport 2026.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.