Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics: futsal takes football’s place in Senegal

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are under way in Senegal, but football itself is not part of the programme, with futsal being played instead.

The Games officially began with an opening ceremony in Dakar on Saturday evening. It is the first time the Youth Olympics have been held in Africa, with competition continuing until 13 November.

The men’s and women’s futsal tournaments began on Sunday and will conclude on 12 November. They are being held for only the second time, following the inaugural editions in 2018.

Eight teams are competing in each tournament, including two African nations in both cases. The host nation, Senegal, is joined by Morocco in the men’s event and Cameroon in the women’s competition. Cameroon also took part in the 2018 tournament.

Morocco begin against Portugal

Morocco will start their men’s campaign in Group B on Monday against Portugal. Zakaria Kouiri’s side will then face Paraguay on Wednesday before completing their group-stage fixtures against Solomon Islands on Saturday, 7 November.

Senegal are in Group A and will meet Argentina in their opening match. Argentina are regarded as the favourites in the group, which also includes Panama and Afghanistan. Senegal will play those matches in that order.

The semi-finals are scheduled for 9 November, followed by the third-place play-off and final on 12 November.

Cameroon face early test

Cameroon’s women suffered a difficult start on Sunday, losing 4-2 to Italy. The Lioncelles Indomptables must respond against Iran on Tuesday to keep their qualification hopes alive, with a final group match against Costa Rica due on 5 November.

Senegal’s women began their schedule against Fiji on Sunday. They will then play Venezuela before facing Ukraine.

The women’s semi-finals will take place on 8 November, while the match for third place and the final are scheduled for 11 November.

The futsal matches at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be broadcast live and free on FIFA.com.