Morocco have won the Arab Beach Soccer Cup for the first time, beating Mauritania 6-5 in the final at Port Said in Egypt on Monday, less than three weeks before the start of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations Beach Soccer.

The Atlas Lions had fallen four goals behind but produced a remarkable comeback to claim the title. Reda Zahraoui, Zouhair Jabari, Amine El Bidouri, Driss Ghannam and Badr El Kraichly scored for Marco Octavio’s side, with Ghannam finding the net twice.

The result provides Morocco with a significant lift before the continental tournament, which will also serve as a qualifier for next year’s Beach Soccer World Cup. The venue and dates for that World Cup have yet to be decided.

Morocco began the Arab competition by finishing top of their group. They beat Lebanon and Libya, while their match against Oman ended in a draw before Morocco progressed after a penalty shootout. They then defeated Egypt in the semi-finals before overcoming Mauritania in the final.

The 13th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations Beach Soccer begins in Dakar, Senegal, on 28 November and ends on 6 December.

Morocco have been drawn in Group B alongside Mauritania, the reigning runners-up, Malawi and Angola, who will be making their first appearance in the competition. Morocco’s victory in Port Said gives them a psychological advantage before they reunite with Mauritania in Dakar.

Group A consists of hosts Senegal, Mozambique, Uganda and Ghana. Senegal are five-time defending champions and hold the record for the most final victories, with eight titles.

Morocco finished third at the previous edition of the Africa Cup of Nations Beach Soccer after beating Egypt in the third-place play-off in October 2024.

The tournament will take place against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute between Morocco and Senegal over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament. The matter has been contested since mid-March and is expected to reach a conclusion at the end of November, either shortly before or shortly after the beach soccer competition begins, when the Court of Arbitration for Sport is due to deliver its verdict.

That situation could mean a special reception for the Moroccan team when they arrive in Senegal, although the immediate focus for the Atlas Lions will be on building on their first Arab Beach Soccer Cup triumph and carrying that momentum into the continental event.