Morocco and Algeria drawn together in 2026 Africa Futsal Cup of Nations

Morocco and Algeria will meet in the group stage of the 2026 Africa Futsal Cup of Nations after being drawn together in Group A. The tournament will take place from 12 to 21 October, with the draw held on Monday at the Mohammed VI Sports Complex in Morocco.

The hosts were placed alongside Algeria, Libya and Zambia in a group that immediately creates one of the most anticipated fixtures of the competition. The draw was conducted in part by former Morocco international Marouane Chamakh and Mozambique’s Fernando Chamboco.

Morocco captain Soufiane El Mesrar and his team-mates will face Algeria at the finals after their north African neighbours qualified for the tournament for the first time in their history. The meeting is expected to attract particular attention because sporting contests between the two countries are closely followed, regardless of the discipline.

Group B will feature Egypt, Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania. The eight teams involved will compete to succeed Morocco as continental champions.

Morocco will begin the tournament as strong favourites. The Atlas Lions are the three-time defending champions, having won the title in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

At the most recent edition, which was also staged on home soil, Morocco dominated the final and defeated Angola 5-1. That victory gave them a third African crown and moved them level with Egypt at the top of the competition’s all-time honours list.

Egypt won the first three editions of the tournament, in 1996, 2000 and 2004. Libya are the only other team to have lifted the trophy, having claimed the title in 2008.

The 2026 tournament will give Morocco the opportunity to become the outright record holders for African futsal titles. They will also be seeking a fourth successive triumph.

Before they can pursue that achievement, however, Hicham Dguig’s side must negotiate a challenging group-stage campaign. Libya bring the distinction of being 2008 African champions, while the highly anticipated derby against Algeria adds further significance to Group A.

The draw therefore sets up several compelling early fixtures, with Morocco’s title defence facing a demanding start despite the team’s status as the leading force in African futsal.