Confirmed Participants for the 2nd SOCCA Aegean Cup in Rethymno
The lineup for the upcoming 2nd SOCCA Aegean Cup, scheduled to take place in Rethymno on October 21-22, has been finalized. This year’s tournament will feature national teams from Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, and South Africa.
Returning Teams and Previous Performances
Last year’s champions, Croatia, will be back to defend their title after a strong showing in the inaugural event. Greece, which secured third place last year with two wins and two losses, is also set to compete again, aiming to improve on their previous performance.
Official Statement from the Municipality of Rethymno
According to the official press release from the Municipality of Rethymno, “The 2nd SOCCA Aegean Cup will be hosted at the Sochora stadium in Rethymno immediately following the TUI SOCCA Champions League. The confirmed participants include Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, and South Africa.”
Historical Context and Tournament Highlights
In the 2023 edition, Croatia clinched the gold medal by defeating Poland 3-1 in the final, while Greece secured third place after a 2-0 victory over Italy. During the 2024 competition, Greece recorded wins against Croatia (4-1) and Italy (2-0), but suffered defeats to Italy (0-2) and Poland (3-4), showcasing a competitive edge and promising potential for the upcoming event.
Preparation for the Global Stage: SOCCA World Cup 2025
The 2024 SOCCA Aegean Cup serves as a crucial preparatory platform for the participating teams ahead of the TUI SOCCA World Cup, which will be held in Cancun, Mexico, from November 28 to December 7, 2025. This global event is expected to attract top-tier teams from around the world, intensifying the level of competition.
Women’s Tournament and Expanded Festivities
Alongside the men’s tournament, a women’s competition will also take place on October 21-22 in Rethymno. The women’s teams from Greece, Spain, Poland, and either Belgium or Oman will compete, highlighting the growing prominence of women’s mini-football internationally.
Rethymno will be buzzing for an entire week with mini-football festivities, beginning on October 16 with the TUI SOCCA Champions League. This premier club-level tournament will feature approximately 100 teams from 40 countries across all five continents, with group draws scheduled for late September.
Innovative Tournament Format and Global Participation
The Champions League will be organized into 25 groups, each comprising four teams. A new, dynamic format introduces three distinct competition pathways, enhancing excitement and engagement. Following the group stage, the tournament will proceed with knockout rounds culminating in the final showdown.
Notable participants include renowned Brazilian clubs Vasco da Gama and Sport Recife, alongside Croatia’s Victory Vrsar, the reigning champions from the 2023 Maribor and 2024 Rethymno editions.
Fan Engagement and Community Activities
The excitement extends beyond the pitch with the establishment of a “Fan Village” outside the stadium at Sochora Square. This vibrant hub will serve as a gathering point for fans, featuring interactive football zones such as Air pitches where attendees can test their skills and enjoy the sport firsthand.
Organizational Support and Sponsorship
Both the men’s and women’s tournaments are organized under the auspices of the International SOCCA Federation, with strong backing from the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Region of Crete, the Regional Unit of Rethymno, the Municipality of Rethymno, and the Rethymno Football Association, a member of the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO).