Futsal is a sport experiencing rapid global growth, driven by expanded international tournaments, youth development programs, and strong local momentum. From local communities embracing the game to several major competitions being staged, the progress is evident
At the ongoing Dakar Youth Olympic Games, futsal is one of the sports disciplines that have shown their potential.
With the four finalists now known across the male and female categories, the growth of futsal worldwide, and particularly in Senegal, is opening up new opportunities.
As host of this second edition, Senegal has given participating teams a remarkable atmosphere and has shown, through the commitment of its supporters and its federation, the potential of the sport on the African continent.
In Uganda, the game, led by Hamza Jjunju, who is the Chairman of the Futsal Association of Uganda (FAU), has made great strides over the years despite the numerous challenges.
National Leagues for both men and women are played annually, knockout competitions are held, schools’ tournaments are organised, and the game continues to sprout across the country.
For the African context at the Youth Olympic Games, Senegal and Cameroon have impressed most in the women’s category, while Senegal and Morocco have done the same in the men’s category.
Graeme Dell, who is the FIFA Futsal Technical Expert and former England futsal head coach and a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group, is impressed with the progress.
“The Youth Olympic futsal tournaments 2026 in Dakar have, so far, exceeded my expectations. 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,” he said.
Beyond the sporting result, the growth of futsal worldwide, and above all in Senegal, signals opportunity: infrastructure, competitions, training and a new generation of talent are all levers to make the Dakar 2026 legacy a genuine springboard for African futsal.
Schedule for Wednesday, November 11 2026
Women’s Third Place Playoff
- Iran vs Italy
Women’s Gold Medal Match
- Venezuela vs Ukraine
Schedule for Thursday, November 12 2026
Men’s Third Place Playoff
- Afghanistan vs Morocco
Men’s Gold Medal Match
- Portugal vs Argentina
