Football is the most popular sport in Africa, but the ongoing Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, have turned the spotlight on one of the fastest-growing sports: futsal.

With the four finalists now confirmed in the futsal tournaments at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), the sport's growth worldwide, particularly in Senegal, is opening up new opportunities.

As hosts of this second edition, Senegal has provided participating teams with a remarkable atmosphere and demonstrated, through the commitment of its supporters and football federation, the potential of futsal on the African continent.

Africa is represented by hosts Senegal and Cameroon in the women's category, while Morocco features in the men's competition. Kenya has a futsal team but did not send representatives to the junior games taking place in West Africa.

A clear rise in the level of play

The sporting assessment following the group stage has been very positive, as FIFA Futsal Technical Expert and former England futsal head coach Graeme Dell noted in his initial assessment of the competition.

“The Youth Olympic futsal tournaments 2026 in Dakar have, so far, exceeded my expectations. We have seen fantastic matches in the group stage, with excellent team performances. The level of play has visibly improved since the first edition in Buenos Aires in 2018, and I am very happy about that.

“This progress is no coincidence. Since 2016, FIFA has invested more than USD 100 million in futsal, through the FIFA Futsal World Cups and development via FIFA Forward, supporting more than 100 projects worldwide. These investments cover infrastructure and competitions as well as the training of coaches, referees and national teams.”

The FIFA Technical Study Group, which includes Dell and Rute Carvalho, Portugal's women's Under-15 futsal coach, shares this assessment.

Dell noted a general improvement since 2018, with more teams, particularly the leading sides, now playing according to clear game plans and demonstrating better control of tempo.

“In Buenos Aires in 2018, we had a lot of football teams competing rather than futsal teams,” he said.

Teams have favoured mid or low defensive blocks over high pressing. Carvalho pointed to the 3:1 system in the women's tournament and the 4:0 formation in the men's competition, stressing that collective organisation depends on individual technique.

Dell also said several women's matches would have ranked among the top 12 at the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup in Manila. He added that some teams had made significant progress during the tournament.

“What is encouraging is how much some teams have grown during the tournament. Cameroon, in the women's competition, showed more each time they faced stronger opponents,” he said.

Packed venues and a fantastic atmosphere

On the pitch and in the stands, Dakar has lived up to its promise. Matches at the Iba Mar Diop Stadium were often sold out, while those at the Dakar Arena generated a fantastic atmosphere.

Backed by large and passionate crowds, the players competed in a setting worthy of the event.

Among the spectators supporting the Senegalese teams were influencer Khaby Lame, former national team coach Pape Thiaw and political figures, including Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo.

Senegal's potential recognised by FIFA

For Kasra Haghighi, FIFA Head of Olympics, Futsal and Beach Soccer, the enthusiasm generated by the competition demonstrates the growth potential of futsal in Senegal and across Africa.

“The Senegalese people have brought incredible heart and atmosphere to both the men's and women's tournaments so far. Their passion for futsal is clear to everyone, and they have been a wonderful support for all participating teams,” Haghighi said.

“The Senegalese Football Federation has been investing for several years in developing its futsal national teams in this age category. Seeing both teams win matches against some of the best sides in the world is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of that commitment.

“The futsal surface, funded with FIFA's support, will also leave a lasting legacy. It will be an important piece of infrastructure for the continued development of futsal and for the next generation of Senegalese talent. We hope this tournament will inspire even more young people to take up futsal and will contribute to the growth of the sport in Senegal in the years to come.”

Towards the finals

The final phases are being played this week at the Dakar Arena. In the women's competition, Venezuela and Ukraine will contest the gold medal, while the men's finalists have also been confirmed.

Beyond the sporting results, the growth of futsal worldwide, particularly in Senegal, signals new opportunities. Infrastructure, competitions, training and a new generation of talent are all key to ensuring the Dakar 2026 legacy becomes a springboard for African futsal.

Schedule for Wednesday, November 11

·        Women's third-place playoff: Iran vs Italy.

·        Women's gold medal match: Venezuela vs Ukraine.

Schedule for Thursday, November 12

·        Men's third-place playoff: Afghanistan vs Morocco.

·        Men's gold medal match: Portugal vs Argentina.