Eight teams will contest the women's futsal event at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics, scheduled from November 1 to the final on November 11. FIFA's October 18 preview examines their preparation before the medal competition.
Fiji, Senegal, Ukraine, Venezuela, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Iran and Italy are entered. They will seek to follow Portugal's success at Buenos Aires 2018.
Hosts and Italy build momentum
Senegal are preparing under Walimata Seye after winning the Dakar En Jeux tournament in 2025. Captain Marieme Niang was prominent in that earlier achievement, which provides background rather than a result from this year's event.
Italy, coached by Sebastiano Giuffrida, beat Ukraine 3–2 and drew 4–4 in June friendlies. FIFA highlights the team's varied scoring options, including long-range free kicks.
Ukraine can draw on Oksana Shevchuk, who has received a senior national-team call-up and scored twice in the drawn friendly.
Different sources of experience
Iran, winners at the 2025 Asian Youth Games, have held preparation camps under Fatemeh Sharif. Venezuela's squad includes Valeska Gutierrez, part of the country's U20 continental runners-up.
Cameroon coach Louis Epee also led the team at the 2018 Youth Olympics. Costa Rica's Tatiana Cascante brings senior playing experience, while Fiji's Jose Gerardo has assessed technique, fitness, understanding and attitude when selecting players.
The profiles describe preparations and ambitions across the eight teams. Medal targets and predictions remain prospective until the November matches establish the final standings.