Ukraine’s Women’s Team Set for 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar
The Ukrainian women’s futsal squad has earned the right to compete at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. This tournament will feature eight teams, including Senegal, Italy, Iran, Cameroon, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Fiji alongside Ukraine. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian men’s team did not secure a quota to participate in the competition. The Youth Olympics, a key event for emerging athletes, will showcase top young talent from around the world.
The draw ceremony for the women’s futsal tournament is scheduled for May 21 at FIFA headquarters in Zurich. Futsal matches will kick off on November 1, 2026, with the women’s event opening the futsal program. Games will be held at the Dakar Arena in Diamniadio and the Iba Mar Diop Sports Complex in Dakar. A total of 160 young players will compete, with the finals taking place on November 12 at the country’s main stadium.
Tournament Participants
The lineup for the women’s tournament is as follows:
- Ukraine
- Senegal
- Italy
- Iran
- Cameroon
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Fiji
The men’s tournament will feature:
- Afghanistan
- Morocco
- Panama
- Argentina
- Paraguay
- Solomon Islands
- Portugal
- Senegal
In addition to futsal, the Ukrainian women’s U18 3x3 basketball team has also qualified for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. This 3x3 basketball tournament will include 12 teams, split into four groups of three. During the group stage, Ukraine U18 will play two matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
As a result, Ukraine will be represented at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in both futsal and 3x3 basketball, highlighting the growth of youth sports in the country. Participation in such prestigious events opens new opportunities for Ukrainian athletes and boosts interest in futsal and basketball among young people. This is a positive sign for the development of sports infrastructure and the nurturing of new talent in Ukraine.
In addition to the futsal team's achievement, the Ukrainian women's U18 3x3 basketball squad has also qualified for the upcoming games, showcasing the country's expanding presence in youth sports. This dual representation highlights Ukraine's commitment to nurturing young talent across various disciplines. For more details on the basketball team's journey to the Olympics, see Ukraine's U18 3x3 basketball team securing their Olympic spot.