Rabat – Morocco open their 2026 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign against Algeria on Monday night at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall, with Hicham Dguig’s side looking to begin another title defense on a strong footing.
The Atlas Lions enter the tournament as three-time defending champions after winning the 2016, 2020 and 2024 editions. Another triumph would give Morocco a fourth consecutive title and move them clear of Egypt, who also have three continental crowns.
Morocco shares Group A with Algeria, Zambia and Libya. The top two teams will advance to the semifinals.
Match Details
Fixture: Morocco vs Algeria
Competition: 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations – Group A
Venue: Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall, Rabat
Date: Monday, October 12
Kickoff: 8 p.m. Morocco time
Broadcast: Arryadia in Morocco; CAF TV on YouTube internationally.
Morocco team news
Dguig has named a 14 player-squad for the competition, with captain Soufiane El Mesrar among the experienced figures expected to lead the hosts. Soufiane Borite and Soufiane Charraoui also bring significant continental and international experience.
Morocco made one late change before the tournament, with Charraoui replacing Anas Dahani in the final squad.
Dguig said ahead of the opener that Morocco are fully prepared to defend the title at home.
“We are extremely happy that the kingdom of Morocco is hosting this edition for the third time in a row, and we are fully ready to put on a good competition and try to defend our title on home soil,” he said.
El Mesrar also told Morocco World News before the tournament that the team planned to approach the competition “as though it were our first” despite three consecutive titles. Winning the opening match could help Morocco manage cards, fatigue, and the wider demands of a short tournament he stressed.
Algeria team news
Algeria arrives at the Futsal AFCON for the first time.
Nordine Benamrouche’s squad includes several players based in France, alongside domestic-based options. Algeria prepared for the tournament with friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Egypt, losing all four matches.
Benamrouche acknowledged the scale of the challenge but said his team want to show the progress Algerian futsal has made.
“Our preparations have been very good, and we are looking forward to a very tough match,” he said. “This is our first appearance, but we would like to give a good impression of ourselves and the development of the sport.”
What to expect
Morocco enters the tournament as the most experienced side and will carry the expectations that come with three straight African titles and home advantage.
Dguig’s team have built their success around tactical flexibility, coordinated rotations and a group that has played together for years. El Mesrar, Borite and the rest of Morocco’s senior core also have experience against some of the world’s strongest futsal nations.
Algeria presents a different challenge. Their first AFCON appearance removes much of the historical pressure attached to the fixture, while several members of Benamrouche’s squad have experience in European futsal.
Dguig has already warned against underestimating Monday’s opponents. He noted that Algeria had narrowly missed qualification in previous cycles and welcomed their presence in a stronger continental field.
A strong start against Algeria would give the defending champions early control of Group A and allow Dguig more room to manage his squad before the decisive stages.
