Teams from across the globe arrived in Portugal to participate in the inaugural Socca World Cup, as the International Socca Federation (ISF) launched their first small-sided football World Cup for 6-a-side football.

Thirty-two countries were represented in this tournament with the home nations hoping to reach the final.

The multi-million dollar tournament took place from Sunday 23rd September until Saturday 29th September in a purpose-built 3,000 seater stadium in the historical Praça do Comércio, in the centre of Lisbon.

Midlands-based organisation Leisure Leagues and Pakistan’s Trunkwala’s World Group worked tirelessly to develop this extraordinary event and to create a legacy for which this event can continue to grow. World-renowned referee Mark Clattenburg, ISF and Leisure Leagues Ambassador, refereed the opening match between Portugal and Greece.

Germany won the first Socca World Cup after a late goal saw them home 1-0 against Poland. We are already looking forward to the 2019 Socca World Cup, which will take place in Crete.

The tournament was not only a resounding success in terms of the football, but also in terms of increasing the profile of Leisure Leagues Franchise. Franchises are now starting up across Europe, including Germany, Poland and Slovakia, and worldwide interest is growing further and further. Back home, franchise sales across the UK are increasing, to the point that around 1/3 of the country is now franchised! Enquire now before it’s too late!