Senegal handed favourable route as 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations draw is made

The CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifying draw has placed reigning champions Senegal against the winner of Djibouti and South Sudan in the second round, while Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria have also learned their potential routes to the finals.

The draw was conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday. The finals will take place in Dakar, Senegal, from 7 to 15 November.

Senegal qualified automatically as hosts and will begin their campaign in the second round. They are the clear favourites after winning the past five editions of the competition and claiming a record eighth African title overall.

Morocco will also enter the competition at the second-round stage. The Atlas Lions, who are three-time bronze medallists, will face the winners of the first-round tie between Ethiopia and Uganda.

The first round of qualifying is scheduled for 18-27 September, with second-round matches taking place from 9-18 October.

Cote d’Ivoire seeking return after eight years

Cote d’Ivoire must overcome either Kenya or Tanzania if they are to return to the finals.

The Elephants have been absent from all three of the previous Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and have not appeared in the competition since 2018.

Algeria are targeting their first qualification since 2011. They will meet the winners of Malawi and Eswatini in the next stage.

Cameroon are also attempting to end a lengthy wait for a place at the finals. The Indomitable Lions have not qualified since 2008 and will face either Rwanda or Sudan.

Mali are aiming to reach the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. The Eagles will play the winners of Zimbabwe and Mauritius, having appeared in the qualifying play-offs only once before, in 2015.

Guinea have a similar objective as they prepare to face either Seychelles or Botswana. The Syli National will be taking part in the preliminary rounds for only the second time, and for the second successive qualifying campaign after 2024.

Gabon will make their debut in the qualifying competition when they enter the first round. The Panthers will face either Tunisia or Benin.

Both potential opponents are chasing a historic first qualification for the finals. Benin will be appearing in the play-offs for the first time, while Tunisia are also seeking an inaugural place at the tournament.

The draw has therefore set up a qualifying campaign featuring several teams attempting to end long absences, alongside nations chasing their first appearance in the continental finals. Senegal, meanwhile, will seek to extend their dominance on home sand after winning each of the past five editions.