FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013: Dates, Schedule, Groups and Preview

With the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup set to begin, Russia looks to defend its crown and sprint past the field in Tahiti.

This 11-day event takes center stage as the field of 16 teams play round robin in their respective groups before heading to the knockout stage.

While Russia looks poised to repeat as champions, they haven't distanced themselves from the field as many contenders are preparing to dethrone them.

Let's take a look at everything you need to know for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Schedule 

Note: all schedule information courtesy of FIFA.com 

Notable Teams

Russia

It would surprise very few people if the Russians—who took home the 2011 championship—ended up hoisting another trophy come the end of action in Tahiti.

Russia benefitted from a duo of goalkeeper and scorer to make it through in 2011. Andrey Bukhlitskiy won the top goalkeeper award in the tournament, while Egor Shaykov bursted onto the scene with eight goals to lead his squad.

With a whopping 44 goals in the tournament, Russia was an unstoppable force on offense and showed that by ripping through the field and beating out Brazil in the championship, 12-8.

The Russians have most of their squad from 2011 intact, which should only breed more success for the team as they look to defend their championship.

Brazil

While Russia has the hot hand in the world of beach soccer at the moment, Brazil remains as the traditional powerhouse; that will always put them on the short list of favorites in any tourney.

If the 2011 final went Brazil's way instead of Russia's, it would've marked the fifth consecutive Beach Soccer World Cup win for the Brazilians. They currently sit with 13 titles and have undoubtedly been the most impacting national team in the sport's history.

With the last go-around giving the Brazilians plenty of motivation and hunger for 2013, don't expect them to bow out quickly. 

Brazil has never finished outside of the top four, and 2013 certainly won't be a first in that regard. Expect this team to be around in the semifinals—and potentially beyond.

Portugal

If Brazil is the Superman of beach soccer, go ahead and call Portugal the kryptonite. 

Before Russia's 2011 win, the Portuguese were the only team to ever put Brazil out of the Beach Soccer World Cup, accomplishing that feat in the 2001 and 2005 semifinals. 

They were ousted by the Brazilians in the 2011 semifinals, but a 4-1 final score shows that Portugal was right in it and could certainly pull the upset if it plays a perfect match.