Morocco win Arab Beach Soccer Cup ahead of Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco have won the Arab Beach Soccer Cup after beating Mauritania 6-5 in the final in Port Said, Egypt, giving the team a major confidence boost less than three weeks before the start of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Atlas Lions were crowned champions on Monday after recovering from a four-goal deficit in a dramatic final. Marco Octavio’s side showed considerable character, with goals from Reda Zahraoui, Zouhair Jabari, Amine El Bidouri, Driss Ghannam, who scored twice, and Badr El Kraichly completing the comeback.

It is the first time Morocco have won the Arab Beach Soccer Cup.

They had topped their group earlier in the tournament after beating Lebanon and Libya and drawing with Oman, who they eventually overcame on penalties. Morocco then defeated hosts Egypt in the semi-finals before facing Mauritania in the final.

The landmark success is expected to strengthen Morocco’s belief ahead of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also serve as qualification for next year’s Beach Soccer World Cup. The venue and dates for that World Cup have not yet been confirmed.

Morocco drawn with Mauritania

The 13th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations Beach Soccer will take place in Dakar, Senegal, from 28 November to 6 December.

Morocco have been drawn in Group B alongside Mauritania, the defending runners-up, Malawi and Angola, who will be making their debut in the competition. The Moroccans will meet Mauritania again after their victory in the Arab Beach Soccer Cup final, giving them a psychological advantage ahead of the rematch.

Group A contains hosts Senegal, Mozambique, Uganda and Ghana. Senegal are five-time defending champions and the record holders for final victories, having won the competition eight times in total.

Morocco finished third at the previous edition of the Africa Cup of Nations Beach Soccer after beating Egypt in the third-place play-off in October 2024.

The tournament will be staged against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute between Morocco and Senegal over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The matter, which began in mid-March, is expected to reach a conclusion at the end of November, shortly before or shortly after the beach soccer tournament begins, when the Court of Arbitration for Sport delivers its verdict.

The Moroccan team could therefore receive a special reception in Senegal when they arrive for the competition.