[1] It was organised by Brazilian sports agency Koch Tavares (one of the founding partners of Beach Soccer Worldwide).

Brazil narrowly beat defending champions Portugal 6–5 in the final to reclaim the title, winning their seventh crown in eight attempts.

The top two teams progressed straight to the semi-finals from which point on the championship was played as a knock-out tournament until a winner was crowned with an additional match to determine third place.

[4] European teams gained qualification by finishing in the top three spots of the 2001 Euro Beach Soccer League (EBSL).

Matches are listed as local time in Vitória and Guarujá, (BRST / UTC-2) January 18 was allocated as a rest day.