The FIFA World Cup is coming to the Bahamas — sort of.

The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be hosted by the Bahamas in 2017, one of the largest sporting events to ever come to New Providence.

“We appreciate the fact that The Bahamas has been selected to host the Beach Soccer World Cup in 2017 and we want to assure you that you will receive the highest level of support and cooperation from this Government,” said Bahamian Minister Philip “Brave” Davis during a meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister attended by local and international officials including Jaime Yarza, FIFA Director of Events Worldwide and Juan Cusco, President FIFA Beach Soccer Worldwide. “We are 100% behind the program.”

16 countries will quality to field full teams for matches at the event, which will take place over an extended 10-day period.

“Beach soccer is one of the quickest-growing sports worldwide,” Cusco said. “Not long ago there were 50 countries with beach soccer teams. That has grown to over 150 countries in the last few years and that is fantastic for islands like The Bahamas because it is a sport that is attracting young, healthy players.”