Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: Why Is Football Not on the Programme?

Eleven-a-side football was dropped from the Youth Olympic Games after the 2010 and 2014 editions, with the IOC and FIFA introducing the change for Buenos Aires 2018. They cited difficulties in assembling top-level teams, clashes with domestic league calendars, squad requirements of at least 18 players, and the resulting costs and logistical burden. Futsal was selected as a more compact alternative suited to host-country infrastructure. At Dakar 2026, its two 20-minute halves and emphasis on individual skill are also giving smaller nations greater visibility.