Mini Africa Cup 2026 Promotes Unity in Tenerife
Amid the football World Cup in America, a different tournament is taking place in Tacoronte, a small town in Tenerife. The Mini Africa Cup 2026, organised by young African migrants, is drawing attention to values of respect and integration.
Miguel Llorca, who helped coordinate the event, emphasised the focus on human rights in response to rising hate speech. This competition includes 150 players aged 14 to 22 from eight teams representing Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cape Verde, Gambia, Morocco, Senegal, Guinea, and the Canaries.
Modou Lamin, a Gambian youth who initiated the idea after seeing a similar tournament in Barcelona, noted, “If they can do it in Barcelona, we can do it here too.” Now 19, Modou arrived in the Canaries at 14 and aspires to be a chef while still enjoying football.
Fellow organiser Buba added that football helps build friendships and cultural connections. He moved to the Canaries in 2020 and believes the tournament is about more than just the game—it’s about presenting a positive image of the African community in Tenerife.
The competition features a Canaries team, showcasing local players. Buba stated, “This goes beyond football; it’s about unity and offering a positive perspective of young migrants.”
The event aims to support local talent who’ve faced challenges in joining leagues. Thanks to advocacy, some bureaucratic hurdles have been eased, but unaccompanied minors still face difficulties.
On June 29, Lola Padrón from the local government kicked off the tournament, noting that such initiatives foster participation and acknowledge the contributions of migrant youth.
The championship began with a match between former players and a team of young African migrants. The final will be held on July 11, featuring Gambia against Senegal, but participants are already looking ahead to the next event.
Meanwhile, players like Buba and Modou find time to follow the World Cup, proudly supporting their favourite teams while dreaming big about their futures.
