According to Iraf, FIFA released the final list of teams participating in the futsal competitions at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, granting Afghanistan’s national U-17 futsal team its first-ever qualification for this prestigious global tournament.
The team earned its spot after winning the Asian Youth Olympic Futsal Championship in Bahrain, securing the continent’s quota and now facing emerging futsal powers worldwide.
Participating Teams
In the boys’ tournament, eight teams from five continents will compete:
- Asia: Afghanistan
- Africa: Morocco
- CONCACAF: Panama
- South America: Argentina and Paraguay
- Oceania: Solomon Islands
- Europe: Portugal
- Host nation: Senegal
In the girls’ tournament, the participating teams include Iran, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Colombia, Fiji, Italy, Ukraine, and Senegal.
FIFA announced that the tournament draw will take place on June 20, 2026, in Zurich, Switzerland, where teams will learn their group-stage opponents.
The competitions are scheduled from October 31 to November 11, 2026, at Senegal’s two main venues: Dakar Arena in Diamniadio and the Iba Mar Diop Complex in Dakar.
Tournament Format and Opportunities
Although final details have yet to be released, reports indicate that each team will compete with only 10 players, emphasizing careful player selection, physical management, and tactical planning.
Despite the small squad size, qualifying for the Youth Olympics and competing alongside the world’s top teams offers an unparalleled opportunity for Afghanistan’s next generation of futsal talent to showcase their abilities on the global stage.
Many experts believe the team has the potential not only to uphold Asia’s reputation in the tournament but also to exceed expectations.
