Morocco overturned a four-goal deficit to beat Mauritania 6-5 in the Arab Beach Soccer Cup final in Port-Said, Egypt, securing their first title in the competition less than three weeks before the CAN de Beach Soccer 2026.
The Atlas Lions were crowned champions on Monday after a remarkable fightback led by Marco Octavio’s side. Reda Zahraoui, Zouhair Jabari, Amine El Bidouri, Driss Ghannam and Badr El Kraichly scored the goals, with Ghannam finding the net twice.
The victory gives Morocco a significant lift ahead of the African tournament, which will serve as qualification for next year’s World Cup. The venue and dates for that World Cup have yet to be confirmed.
Morocco began the Arab Beach Soccer Cup by finishing top of their group. They recorded victories against Lebanon and Libya, while drawing with Oman before defeating them on penalties. The hosts Egypt were then beaten in the semi-finals.
The result against Mauritania also gives Morocco the psychological advantage before the teams meet again in the CAN de Beach Soccer 2026. Mauritania were runners-up in the Arab competition.
The 13th edition of the CAN de Beach Soccer begins in Dakar, Senegal, on 28 November and concludes on 6 December.
Morocco have been drawn in Group B alongside Mauritania, Malawi and Angola, who will be making their debut in the competition.
Group A consists of hosts Senegal, Mozambique, Uganda and Ghana. Senegal are five-time defending champions and the record holders for tournament victories, with eight titles in total.
Morocco finished third at the previous edition of the CAN de Beach Soccer after beating Egypt in the third-place play-off in October 2024.
Political backdrop
The Moroccan team could receive a special reception in Senegal because of the dispute surrounding the CAN 2025 football tournament between Morocco and Senegal.
The disagreement has continued since mid-March and is expected to reach a conclusion in late November, either shortly before or shortly after the beach soccer competition begins. The verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is due at that time.
Morocco’s first Arab Beach Soccer Cup triumph therefore arrives at a significant moment for the national side, giving them confidence before they attempt to challenge for continental honours in Dakar.