Morocco Eye Fourth Straight Title as Futsal Africa Cup of Nations Kicks Off October 12

The biggest futsal stage in Africa is set. The TotalEnergies Futsal Africa Cup of Nations 2026 kicks off in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, October 12 — and the hosts arrive as the team everyone has to beat.

Morocco aren’t just hosting for the third time in a row. They’re the three-time defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2016, 2020 and 2024, and they’re now chasing a fourth straight continental crown in front of their own fans. The tournament runs from October 12 to 21 across two venues in Rabat: the Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall and the Ibn Yassine Sports Hall.

Group A — the champions’ path

Coach Hicham Dguig’s squad opens the campaign against Algeria on October 12, before facing Zambia on October 14 and Libya on October 16. It’s a manageable group on paper — but derbies and tournament football have a habit of ignoring paper.

Dguig, who has led Morocco since 2010, has built a side that blends European-based experience with homegrown quality. Keep an eye on Soufiane El Mesrar, who starred at the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup with two goals in the 6-3 win over Panama, and Idriss Raiss El Fenni — both central to the Atlas Lions’ recent rise. Morocco last lifted this trophy on home soil in 2024 with a 5-1 final win over Angola, and this group will be desperate to defend it.

If you’re new to the five-a-side game, our complete guide for beginners is a good place to start before the action begins.

The challengers

Group B brings Egypt, Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania into the picture. Egypt are the joint record holders with three titles of their own, and Angola — beaten finalists in 2024 — will be out for revenge. Algeria and Tanzania are making their tournament debuts, which only adds to the drama.

Eight teams, two groups, one golden trophy — and a continental title that comes with serious bragging rights. CAF has even unveiled a new trophy and visual identity for this edition, designed around the speed and movement of the game, with five golden arches representing the five players on court and a gold map of Africa at its heart. The roll of honour engraved on the trophy tells the story so far. From October 12, Morocco will be fighting to add the next line to it.