Continuing in its effort to deepen the player pool under new head coach Marcelo Mendes, the U.S. Men’s Beach Soccer National Team finished third at the 2026 Acapulco Cup, played from April 9-11 in Acapulco, Mexico. See US Beach Soccer Article Mendes is the first ever full time USMNT Beach Soccer coach to be hired. This is a step in the right direction. Marcelo Mendes: A Personal Take on the First Full Time U.S. Beach Soccer Coaching:
Personal Perception on Coach Mendes
Marcelo Mendes is a thoughtful appointment for the U.S. Men’s Beach Soccer National Team, and I say that not just from observing his résumé, but from knowing him personally over the years. I visited him in Tokyo during the period when he was coaching Japan, and I came away with a strong impression of someone who understands the game at a high level while also appreciating the broader development side of beach soccer.
We also worked together on a few ideas aimed at expanding youth access to beach soccer around the world. Those conversations reflected what I have always respected about Marcelo: he sees beach soccer as more than a competition calendar. He understands its potential as a pathway for young players, especially in places where the sport can still grow if given the right structure, visibility, and support.
Unfortunately, those projects never moved forward. Scheduling conflicts got in the way, and like many good ideas in international sport, the timing simply was not right. That was disappointing, because I believed there was real value in the work we were trying to do. Still, even though the projects did not happen, the conversations themselves reinforced my belief that Marcelo thinks beyond the immediate match results and has a genuine interest in building something meaningful.
From a purely sporting standpoint, I think the U.S. made a sensible choice. Marcelo brings experience, credibility, and a global perspective that should serve the program well. He has worked in different environments and understands how to adapt to different player pools, different cultures, and different stages of development. I know that it was his dream, if not desire, to coach this team. That matters in beach soccer, where building chemistry quickly and maximizing talent are both essential.
Time to Move Forward with US Coaching, but Never Forget
At the same time, I cannot ignore how the coaching change came about. I am still not pleased with the firing of Francis Farberoff, for reasons I have already stated elsewhere. That part of the story remains difficult to separate from the appointment itself. Francis contributed to the program, had a large hand inspiring and directing these new young talents, and I do not believe his departure should be brushed aside lightly.
So my view is mixed, but clear. Marcelo Mendes is a good choice for the national team. He has the experience, the temperament, and the broad understanding of the game that can help the U.S. continue to grow. But that does not erase my concerns about how the transition was handled, or my respect for what Francis Farberoff brought to the role.
Farberoff Shaping US Best Era’s, From Glory to Grief: The Rise & Fall of USBSMNT, US Team Fails to Qualify
In the end, I hope the U.S. benefits from Marcelo’s leadership. If his appointment leads to stronger results and a broader commitment to developing beach soccer at all levels, then it will prove to be the right move. And if the sport continues to expand in a more serious and sustainable way, then perhaps some of the ideas we discussed years ago in Tokyo will still find their place in the future.
