Discover how FIVB-supported beach volleyball teams are preparing for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
The beach volleyball event at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will take place at Saly Beach West in Dakar from 31 October to 4 November. A total of 16 out of the 24 participating girls teams receive vital backing from the Volleyball Empowerment Programme.
Senegal is proudly staging the very first Olympic Games competition, whether junior or senior, on the African continent. Empowered National Federations from countries like China, The Netherlands, and Switzerland will battle fiercely for the ultimate Youth Olympic Games title, according to information published by fivb.
Each of the 16 empowered federations will be represented by one talented pair as they showcase global youth talent. Expert coaches from around the world guide these rising stars through substantial investments made by the international governing body.
Dakar 2026 Beach Volleyball Schedule
The exciting girls beach volleyball competition features 24 teams divided neatly into six pools of four. The pool phase runs on 31 October and 1 November with teams competing in a standard round-robin format.
The top two teams from each pool, alongside the two best third-placed teams, advance directly to the Round of 16. An additional qualification round takes place on 2 November for remaining third-placed teams to secure final spots.
Volleyball Empowerment Programme Investments
Significant financial investments drive success, with the FIVB injecting USD 173,500 into Coach Support projects in Senegal alone. Italian coach Martino Cagnazzi currently takes charge of the host nation senior teams.
Other substantial funding includes USD 332,000 granted to the Netherlands Volleyball Federation for coach support. Meanwhile, FFvolley in France has been allocated USD 538,500 for their senior women national team program.
Top Seeds and Empowered Duos in Action
Top seeds Ming Zhuang and Siyu Qi of China headline Pool A alongside other empowered pairs. Second seeds Jara Both and Matilda de Groot represent The Netherlands in Pool B under coach Lucas Motta Palermo.
Mozambique pairs Assucena Xavier Mabjaia and Célia Nelson Machava start as the highest ranked African side as fifth seeds. Senegal sixth seeds Nafi Segnane and Fatou Thiam start as favorites in Pool F buoyed by home crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games beach volleyball event?
The beach volleyball event takes place at Saly Beach West in Dakar, Senegal, from 31 October to 4 November.
How many teams are supported by the Volleyball Empowerment Programme?
Out of 24 participating girls teams, 16 pairs receive direct support from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Programme.
Who are the top seeded players in Pool A?
Ming Zhuang and Siyu Qi of China are the top seeds and are placed in Pool A for the tournament.
What is the format of the girls beach volleyball tournament?
The 24 teams are divided into six pools of four for a round-robin phase, leading into a single-elimination knockout stage.
