Beach Soccer AFCON 2026: Senegal chase sixth crown with Mauritania lurking
Holders and winners of the last five editions, Senegal go into the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations aiming to extend their continental dominance. On home sand, the Lions of the Beach will have to contend with several challengers, among them Mauritania, runners-up at the previous tournament. The competition runs from 28 November to 6 December.
Rieltony LOUBOKO · Author profile ·
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Champions in 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024, Senegal remain the benchmark in African beach soccer. In front of their own fans, they will try to win a sixth consecutive title and consolidate their status as the dominant nation in the discipline. To do so, the Senegalese must first get through the group stage, where they will meet Mozambique, Uganda and Ghana in Group A.
This run of success naturally puts the host nation among the favourites. But the pressure will also be considerable on a side asked to defend its title on its own turf.
Mauritania and Morocco the challengers
In Group B, Mauritania will also have a case to make. Runners-up in 2024 in Egypt, where they lost to Senegal, they will look to take a further step and win a first continental title. They will face Morocco, Malawi and Angola, who will make their first appearance in the finals of the competition.
Morocco, already regulars at continental tournaments, could also play the spoilers. As for Angola, their debut is a chance to test themselves against the best African sides in the discipline.
Continental title and World Cup place at stake
Beyond the African trophy, this edition carries an extra stake: it will also serve as a qualifying tournament for the next Beach Soccer World Cup. The eight nations involved will therefore have a twin objective, chasing the continental title while eyeing a place on the international stage.
The tournament will take place in Senegal from 28 November to 6 December 2026. Kick-off times and the detailed fixture schedule are still to be announced.
Group line-ups
- Group A: Senegal, Mozambique, Uganda, Ghana.
- Group B: Mauritania, Morocco, Malawi, Angola.