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The Association Africaine de Futsal (AAF), Africa’s apex governing body for the fast-growing indoor sport, has unveiled an ambitious and action-packed calendar of tournaments and development initiatives aimed at transforming futsal across the continent in 2026 and beyond.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, the AAF Publicity Secretary, Mr. Edewor Oputa, disclosed the association’s far-reaching plans, describing the coming year as a defining period for African futsal development.
According to him, the 2026 programme will commence with the AAF Under-17 Futsal International Tournament scheduled to hold in Kenya, bringing together some of the most promising young futsal talents from across Africa.
“We are excited to kick off the year with our Under-17 Futsal International Tournament in Kenya, which will showcase exceptional young talents from across the continent,” Mr. Oputa said. “This marks the beginning of an exhilarating journey as we also prepare to participate in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and host our maiden African Futsal Inter-School Tournament in Togo.”
As part of its continental engagement drive, the AAF also announced a special highlight event slated for March 2026, during which Brazilian futsal icon and global legend, Falcao, will tour three African countries. The tour, according to the association, is aimed at knowledge transfer, mentorship, and inspiration for young African futsal players and coaches.
Mr. Oputa further reiterated the AAF’s long-term vision of institutionalising futsal development at all levels of education and organised sports structures across Africa.
“We are firmly committed to developing futsal in primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and football clubs throughout Africa,” he stated. “Our strategic objective is to elevate African futsal to global competitiveness by 2035. To achieve this, we are working in close collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and national football federations across the continent.”
The Association disclosed that its 2026 calendar will feature several major international and continental events, including participation in global multi-sport competitions where futsal will be showcased as a side event.
Key activities lined up by the AAF for 2026 include the Under-17 Futsal International Tournament in Kenya in May; participation in the Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland; the African Futsal Inter-School Tournament in Togo in August; and involvement in the Youth Olympic Games holding in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026.
The AAF has called on interested teams, schools, and institutions across Africa to register through its official website, www.aafutsal.com, to participate in the forthcoming competitions and development programmes.
“Let us collectively grow and develop futsal in Africa,” Mr. Oputa urged. “We invite all stakeholders to join us as we embark on this historic and transformative journey.”
