--- title: "Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games venues in Dakar, Diamniadio, Saly; first Olympic event on African soil" sdDatePublished: "2026-09-04T14:21:00Z" source: "https://www.olympics.com/en/dakar-2026/news/dakar-2026-youth-olympic-games-venue-dakar-diamniadio-saly" topics: - name: "sport event" identifier: "medtop:20001108" - name: "Olympic Games" identifier: "medtop:20001177" - name: "sport venue" identifier: "medtop:20001126" - name: "sport" identifier: "medtop:15000000" - name: "sport organisation" identifier: "medtop:20001125" - name: "arts and entertainment" identifier: "medtop:20000002" locations: - "Dakar" - "Senegal" --- Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games venues in Dakar, Diamniadio, Saly; first Olympic event on African soil Dakar 2026: A guide to every Youth Olympic Games venue in Senegal, from Dakar to Diamniadio and Saly Dakar 2026: A guide to every Youth Olympic Games venue in Senegal, from Dakar to Diamniadio and Saly Within a radius of around 100km (62 miles), fans can explore all eight venues and the renowned Senegalese ‘Teranga’ hospitality from 31 October to 13 November. Senegal will soon open to the world for the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 . From 31 October to 13 November, the first Olympic event on African soil will be held across three locations: the Senegalese capital of Dakar , the city of Diamniadio, and the beachfront venue Saly. Within a radius of around 100km (62 miles), fans can explore all eight venues and the nation’s renowned ‘Teranga’ hospitality. As the countdown closes in on the Opening Ceremony, with tickets for the events still available, here are the key things you need to know about every venue for the Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2026. Book your seat and be a part of history at Dakar 2026! Dakar, an inspiring capital that comes alive with its people History is waiting in Dakar 🏅. Tickets for Dakar 2026 are now available. Take your place and experience the Youth Olympic Games live. Secure your seat here 🎫 Dakar 2026’s ambassador Omar Sy speaks about his role and the Youth Olympic Games: “The Youth is a light, it’s full of hope” Less than 100 days before the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, the French actor Omar Sy, who is a Dakar 2026's ambassador, speaks about what the first YOG ever held in Africa mean to him and the youth of the world. Tour de l’Oeuf Complex (Dakar) The Complex Tour de l’Oeuf takes its name from its unique oval shape resembling an egg (Oeuf in French), redeveloped especially for Dakar 2026. It is the place to be to absorb as much action as possible, as the host venue for five sports. The 3x3 basketball , baseball5, breaking, skateboarding , and swimming competitions will all be held in the 5,000-capacity complex, with the Olympic swimming pool constituting half of the seats alone. Stade Iba Mar Diop (Dakar) Athletics leads the four sports taking place at the Iba Mar Diop Complexe , located in the bustling Dakar neighbourhood of Médina. The stadium complex will also host rugby sevens and taekwondo , while instead of 11-a-side football, the indoor 5-on-5 version of futsal will star at Dakar 2026. Few views of Africa’s maiden Olympic event will be able to rival that of Corniche West. A coastal road down the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, it stretches almost 10km (6 miles). The next generation of road cyclists will be the lucky few to compete at the capital's seaside stretch, with the races taking place between 8-10 November. As its name suggests, the Dakar Expo Center is a multi-use venue that goes beyond sport. Also known as ‘DEX’, it is often the site for trade shows, fairs, conferences, and of course, sporting competitions. The capital’s exhibition centre will be the venue for artistic gymnastics, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo, and wushu during Dakar 2026. Discover “Teranga”, the official song of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games The Dakar Arena , also known as ‘DAR’, has been the home of Senegalese basketball since its opening in 2018. A capacity of 15,000 is matched by multicoloured panels on its outside and the vibrant colours of Senegal’s flag across the indoor seats. ‘DAR’ was also constructed to serve as a venue for concerts and cultural events, and at Dakar, it will be one of two arenas for the futsal competition, as well as badminton . The Abdoulaye Wade Stadium holds 50,000 spectators and was inaugurated with a football friendly match between Senegalese and African legends in February 2022. Didier Drogba , Samuel Eto’o, Demba Ba, and Jay-Jay Okocha lined up in a 1-1 draw at the ground that now serves as the permanent home of the Senegal national team. Named after Abdoulaye Wade, Senegal’s third president, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, it will host the archery competition at Dakar 2026. Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics: Ready to welcome the world The 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will take place in Dakar, Senegal, bringing together the world’s best young athletes for the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil. Senegal’s sporting culture and practice are rooted in its history and population, especially young people. The Equestrian Centre will showcase the next generation of equestrian athletes at the Youth Olympic Games, while providing a vital training base for young Senegalese athletes. About 80km (50 miles) to the south of Dakar sits Saly, a seaside resort and former trading port on Senegal’s Petite Côte (little coast in English). It is the place to be for any event that requires nature, whether that is from the golden sand of the beaches or the sea’s salty water. Beach handball, beach volleyball, beach wrestling, coastal rowing, sailing, and triathlon will take centre stage at Saly Beach West during the Youth Olympic Games. Sign-up for free and you will be able to receive Olympic news tailored to your interests. Dakar 2026: Omar Sy's lifelong love for sport Who is Mamy Mbaye, the singer behind Dakar 2026's official song "Teranga"? Dakar 2026: Africa's impact on the Olympics and key Olympians