After many years and countless rumors, it’s now official. FIFA, in its strategic objectives for the 2023-2027 period, has expressed its intention to initiate the process of having futsal and beach soccer recognized as Olympic sports.
Although the document dates back to December of last year, its content has only now come to light. It states that “given the global participation levels, FIFA will propose that both futsal and beach soccer be considered distinct forms of football in the Olympic Games moving forward.”
As a next step, FIFA will formally submit its requests to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Which will assess them based on various criteria required for a sport to be included in the Olympics.
However, it is important to note that. Unless it is as a demonstration event, it is unlikely that futsal and beach soccer will be featured in the upcoming Olympic Games. Los Angeles 2028. As the program has been finalized since 2023.
In the best-case scenario, futsal and beach soccer could make their Olympic debut in Brisbane 2032, if FIFA’s request is approved by the IOC.
One advantage for futsal is that it is already part of the Youth Olympic Games program, which will take place again in 2026 in Dakar, after the cancellation of the 2022 edition.
