Eight nations will contest the men's futsal tournament at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics, starting on 2 November and ending with the final on 12 November. Afghanistan, Argentina, Panama, Senegal, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal and Solomon Islands make up the field.
FIFA's preview outlines the teams' preparations as they pursue the title previously won by Brazil at Buenos Aires 2018.
Argentina and Portugal bring strong credentials
Argentina recently won a third consecutive South American U-17 futsal title. Santiago Basile's side defeated Brazil 2-1 in the final through goals from Axel Barrios and Lorenzo Sampedro, conceding only five goals across five matches.
Portugal finished runners-up at Dakar En Jeux 2025, losing 3-1 to Brazil. They also beat France and Morocco at June's VI Nations Tournament in Spain before a semi-final penalty-shootout defeat by the hosts. Playmaker Martim Silva and goalkeeper Manuel Pires Rodrigues are among their featured players.
Morocco, third at the 2025 test event, drew 4-4 with Portugal this year through a hat-trick from Ibrahim Houdan. Afghanistan arrive after winning the previous year's Asian youth event.
Hosts seek progress
Senegal will look to benefit from another year of development after facing Brazil, Portugal and Morocco in 2025. Mamadou Diagne and captain Adama Ndao are among the players highlighted.
Panama are coached by Alquis Alvarado, while Manuel Aquino leads Paraguay. Solomon Islands coach Dickson Kadau has overseen two months of preparation, with several squad members bringing SIFF Super Futsal League experience. Those preparations establish the teams' starting points; the medals will be decided in Senegal.