Morocco chase Futsal AFCON history: Can they break Egypt's record on home soil?
The Atlas Lions have a historic opportunity at home: win a fourth African title, move ahead of Egypt and become the most successful nation in Futsal AFCON history.
The CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations 2026 kicks off in Morocco on October 12, with the hosts chasing much more than another successful title defense.
The Atlas Lions have the chance to become the most decorated national team in the competition's history.
Morocco and Egypt currently share the record with three titles each, but another triumph would take Morocco to four and give them sole possession of the all-time mark.
The tournament runs from October 12 to 21, featuring eight national teams divided into two groups of four.
Three straight titles and a dominant final victory
Morocco enter the competition as defending champions after winning the 2016, 2020 and 2024 editions.
Their first continental crown came in Johannesburg in 2016, when they defeated Egypt 3-2 in the final.
They successfully defended their title in 2020 before completing a hat-trick of consecutive championships in 2024.
That most recent triumph was particularly memorable, with Morocco lifting the trophy on home soil after a commanding 5-1 victory over Angola in the final.
Now the Atlas Lions will once again enjoy home advantage as they attempt to extend a winning streak that began a decade ago.
Who will Morocco face at Futsal AFCON 2026?
As tournament hosts, Morocco qualified automatically and were drawn into Group A.
Their opponents are:
- Libya
- Zambia
- Algeria
Morocco must navigate the group stage to keep their pursuit of a fourth continental title alive.
Soufiane El Mesrar brings experience to Morocco's challenge
One of the players who has contributed to Morocco's rise in African futsal is Soufiane El Mesrar.
He was part of the squad that won the 2024 Futsal AFCON and also made an impact at the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup.
El Mesrar scored twice in Morocco's 6-3 victory over Panama during that tournament.
Morocco's progress has also been evident on the global stage. The Atlas Lions qualified for four Futsal World Cups between 2012 and 2024, reaching the quarterfinals in both 2021 and 2024.
The record Morocco could make their own
- Morocco and Egypt are tied on three Futsal AFCON titles each. A fourth crown would make the Atlas Lions the outright record holders.
- Morocco have won the last three editions, in 2016, 2020 and 2024, and will attempt to extend their dominance in front of their home fans.
- Futsal AFCON 2026 runs from October 12 to 21, with Morocco facing Libya, Zambia and Algeria in Group A.
