Senegal named host nation for Beach AFCON 2026

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has officially announced that Senegal will serve as the host nation for the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026.

This prestigious appointment was confirmed following a high-level meeting of the CAF Executive Committee, which reached a unanimous decision to return the continental showpiece to Senegalese shores.

The selection highlights the governing body’s deep confidence in the West African nation’s organizational capacity and its standing as a premier destination for elite international sporting events.

The 2026 edition is set to feature eight of Africa’s most elite beach soccer teams, competing in a high-stakes environment where more than just continental pride is on the line.

The tournament will serve as the official qualification pathway for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2027, with the two finalists earning the right to represent Africa on the global stage.

Matches are expected to take place in Dakar and various coastal venues, utilizing Senegal’s natural landscape and its growing portfolio of sports infrastructure, which includes the renowned Stade Abdoulaye Wade.

CAF’s decision to award the hosting rights to Senegal was influenced by the country’s unparalleled dominance in the sport and its proven track record as a reliable host.

Known as the “Lions of Teranga,” the Senegal national team is the most successful in the history of the competition, boasting a record eight titles, including a victory in the most recent 2024 edition.

Having successfully hosted the AFCON Beach Soccer tournament in 2021, the nation provides a familiar and professional environment for athletes and fans alike.

Beyond beach soccer, this hosting appointment is viewed as a significant building block for Senegal’s broader sports diplomacy and infrastructure goals.

The country has recently expressed a formal interest in bidding for the flagship AFCON 2032 tournament, and successfully delivering the 2026 beach soccer event will further strengthen its case.