Sport in Bamako in 2026: competitions, stadiums and fixtures
The sports competitions held in Bamako in 2026, according to the Council of Ministers statements: WAFU Zone A under-20 qualifying tournament (15-30 October), the revived Biennale sportive, the Rugby Africa Cup Zone B won by Mali, the Super Cup, Malian Football Weekend.
In 2026 Bamako hosted a run of competitions, from under-20 football to rugby and a Biennale sportive revived after more than forty years. The government set out the plan in April: 7 major competitions in 7 disciplines during the year, presented as the result of investment in sports infrastructure.
Before you travel: in October 2026, France and the United Kingdom advise against all travel to Mali, Bamako included. Read our page on safety and travel advice.
Key points (statements checked on 18 October 2026)
- Right now: the WAFU Zone A under-20 qualifying tournament is being played in Bamako from 15 to 30 October 2026.
- The Biennale sportive, revived in August 2026, brought together more than 1,840 participants; the District of Bamako finished first.
- Mali won the Rugby Africa Cup Zone B, played in Bamako in June and July 2026.
The WAFU U20 tournament (15 to 30 October 2026)
The qualifying tournament of Zone A of the West African Football Union (WAFU/UFOA) for under-20s brings 8 national teams to Bamako. It is a step towards the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The draw of 1 October 2026 produced:
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Mali | Senegal |
| Liberia | Sierra Leone |
| Gambia | Mauritania |
| Guinea | Guinea-Bissau |
The government also expects spin-offs for the capital's hotels, restaurants, transport and trade.
The year's other fixtures
| Competition | Dates (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ORTM cycling Grand Prix, 2nd edition | 11 April | 35.1 km closed circuit, riders from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger (venue not given in the statement) |
| Malian Football Weekend | 28 and 29 May | gala match between Malian football Legends and an elite selection, "Mali Football Awards" ceremony |
| Rugby Africa Cup Zone B, 2nd edition | 28 June to 12 July | Mali won, ahead of Benin and Togo; Guinea and Niger also took part |
| Biennale sportive, 1st revived edition | 7 to 16 August | more than 1,840 participants, District of Bamako first, ahead of Sikasso and Dioïla |
| General Assimi Goïta Super Cup | 21 August to 16 September | at the Mamadou Konaté and Ouezzin Coulibaly stadiums |
| WAFU Zone A U20 tournament | 15 to 30 October | 8 teams, qualification for the U20 AFCON |
The Biennale sportive, revived after 1983
Between 1962 and 1983 Mali held artistic, cultural and sporting events, including a Biennale sportive with three editions: Ségou in 1979, Mopti in 1981 and Sikasso in 1983. The Ministry of Youth and Sports revived it in Bamako from 7 to 16 August 2026, with delegations from the regions and the District of Bamako, in five disciplines: men's football, men's and women's basketball, athletics, traditional wrestling and chess. Cultural, educational and health activities ran alongside.
The Super Cup
The "General Assimi Goïta Super Cup, President of the Transition" pitted teams from the Presidency, the government, the National Transition Council and the football leagues and districts of every region and the District of Bamako, with the aim of mobilising young people and spotting new talent.
Within the Confederation of Sahel States
The AES Games, whose 1st edition was held in Mali in 2025, are among the projects of the Confederation with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which signed a memorandum of understanding on the games in 2026. See our article on what the AES changes for Malians.
Going further
- Clubs and football history in Bamako: football in Bamako, Djoliba and Stade malien.
- Other outings: cultural venues and Malian music.
Frequently asked questions
Which teams play the WAFU U20 tournament in Bamako?
Group A: Mali, Liberia, Gambia and Guinea. Group B: Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau. From 15 to 30 October 2026.
What is the Biennale sportive?
A national competition between regions, held from 1979 to 1983 and revived in Bamako in August 2026, won by the District of Bamako.
Does Mali play rugby?
Yes: the national team won the 2nd Rugby Africa Cup Zone B, played in Bamako from 28 June to 12 July 2026.
Official sources (checked on 18 October 2026)
Council of Ministers statements published by the General Secretariat of the Government (French): 8 April, 15 April, 23 April, 3 July, 17 July, 24 July, 21 August, 28 August and 16 October 2026.