Mamadou Diallo backs Senegal for beach soccer world crown

Senegal’s beach soccer team is targeting a place at the top of the sport, with former international and coach Mamadou Diallo saying the country can become the world’s best. His ambition comes as Senegal prepares to host the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations next November and pursue another continental title.

Senegal has won the African competition eight times, including five consecutive titles, and previously hosted the tournament in 2021. The team has also reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2021 and 2025, achievements Diallo linked to years of effort and sacrifice. The former coach also called for greater support for beach soccer national teams across Africa.

The 2026 continental tournament will bring together eight of Africa’s leading sides, with qualification for the 2027 World Cup among the main objectives. The preliminary matches are scheduled between September 18 and 28, followed by a second round from October 9 to 18. The draw includes ties involving Côte d’Ivoire and Mauritania, Tanzania and Mozambique, Seychelles and Malawi, Burundi and Uganda, and Nigeria and Ghana, while other places will be settled through additional first-round pairings.