The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship will be held in Mexico for the first time in 2023.
As arenas in Tlaxcala, Huamantla and Apizac become home to the competition, this will also be the championship’s first ever appearance outside of Europe.
FIVB General Director, Fabio Azevedo, said: “In 2023, the eyes of hundreds of millions of beach volleyball fans will be in Mexico for the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships.
“This is all thanks to the strong partnership we have with Mexico’s National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE), the Mexican Volleyball Federation, along with the clear vision of Minister Guevara to develop the sport, especially beach volleyball, in the country.
“We have no doubt that athletes and fans will be impressed by Mexico’s warm welcome and hospitality, as well as the jaw-dropping action on the sand.
“We already know that the fans here in Mexico are very passionate and knowledgeable about beach volleyball and it is a great opportunity for us to offer them the best of our sport in 2023.”
Furthermore, as part of the FIVB’s innovative programme of Volleyball Empowerment – aimed at supporting national teams around the globe – the federation will continue to provide coaching support to Mexico’s beach volleyball teams, currently ranked among the top 35 best teams, on the road to the World Championships.
The event will be played between 6-15 October, with 48 teams per gender in the running to lift the title. Notably, the 2023 edition will also see the winners guarantee their nation a place at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Volleyball World CEO, Finn Taylor, added: “Bringing the world’s most important beach volleyball championships to Mexico is a significant step forward for the sport.
“As beach volleyball continues to flourish globally, we are excited to add a new host country to the rich history of this illustrious event. We can’t wait for fans around the world to come to Mexico to experience this country and our beautiful sport.
“The championships also further cements our commitment to bringing top-level beach volleyball to Mexico, which will also see multiple high-profile Beach Pro Tour tournaments staged in the country over the next five years.”
