Mamadou Diallo named assistant for 2026 beach soccer draw

Mamadou Diallo has been chosen to assist with the official preliminary draw for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations beach soccer tournament, giving the former Senegal international a formal role in the competition his country will host later this year. The draw will help establish the tournament pathway ahead of the finals in Senegal in November.

The Confederation of African Football has invited Diallo to attend the ceremony at its headquarters auditorium in Cairo, Egypt. Diallo previously represented Senegal and also worked as a player and coach with the national team. His appointment links his former international career to the organisation of the next continental beach soccer tournament.

Senegal will stage the competition in November, having also hosted the 2021 edition. Eight leading African beach soccer nations are expected to take part. The tournament will also carry qualification significance, with participating teams competing for places at the 2027 Beach Soccer World Cup.

Senegal enters the event as the competition’s most successful nation, with five titles. Its hosting role and record give the 2026 edition added importance, while the preliminary draw will begin shaping the route for the teams seeking continental honours and a place at the next world championship.