Senegal has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Confédération Africaine de Football Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, after approval by the CAF Executive Committee, further strengthening the country’s position as a central hub for beach soccer on the continent.
The decision underlines CAF’s continued confidence in Senegal’s ability to organise major international tournaments and reflects the West African nation’s growing reputation for delivering successful sporting events. It also highlights Senegal’s long-standing contribution to the development and popularity of beach soccer across Africa.
Senegal are not only hosts but also the dominant force in the competition. The national team has won the last five consecutive editions of the tournament, establishing a sustained period of supremacy in African beach soccer. Their most recent triumph came in 2024 in Egypt, where they once again underlined their status as the benchmark side on the continent.
The 2026 edition of the competition will bring together eight of Africa’s leading beach soccer nations, all competing for the continental title. Beyond the trophy itself, the tournament will carry additional significance, as teams will also be battling for qualification places at the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. This adds further competitive weight to the event, with national sides viewing it as a crucial stepping stone to the global stage.
CAF’s decision to return the tournament to Senegal also marks a continuation of the country’s hosting history. Senegal previously staged the competition in 2021, an edition that was widely regarded as successful in terms of organisation, attendance and competitive quality. That experience is understood to have played a role in the latest decision by CAF’s executive leadership.
Beach soccer has grown steadily in Senegal over the past decade, supported by strong domestic interest and consistent international success. The national team’s achievements have helped raise the profile of the sport, inspiring increased investment and participation at grassroots level. Hosting the 2026 tournament is expected to further accelerate that growth, while also reinforcing Senegal’s sporting infrastructure and event management capacity.
Across the continent, the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations continues to expand in importance, serving both as a premier regional competition and as a qualifying pathway for global tournaments. With only eight teams set to participate in 2026, competition for places is expected to be intense, particularly given the added incentive of World Cup qualification.
For Senegal, the dual role of host and reigning champion will place them firmly in the spotlight once again. Expectations will be high both on and off the sand, as they look to defend their continental dominance in front of home support.
CAF is expected to announce further details regarding venues, scheduling and qualification procedures in due course as preparations for the 2026 tournament gather momentum.
