Dakar 2026: Baseball5 Makes Olympic History

From October 30 to November 3, 2026, Dakar will pulse with the excitement of an explosive, high-energy, and unapologetically youth-driven sport. For the first time ever, Baseball5 will make its Olympic debut at the Youth Olympic Games! Eight teams from four continents, a shared ambition, and medal dreams—all the elements are in place to make this historic first unforgettable. And the French team is ready to take center stage!

A Historic Olympic Debut Promising Big Thrills!

A historic chapter is about to unfold in Senegal! At the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Baseball5 will step onto the Olympic stage and gain a global platform. Even better: it will be the first sport to compete, starting Friday, October 30—the day before the official opening ceremony! At the Tour de l’Œuf Complex in Dakar, eight nations and teams will gather for five days of intense competition, culminating in the first-ever Olympic medals for Baseball5 on November 3. This edition holds special significance: Dakar 2026 will also mark the first Olympic event ever hosted on the African continent. A double first that gives this competition an extraordinary dimension—blending sporting innovation, international reach, and celebration of youth. Baseball5 couldn’t ask for a better launchpad to attract new fans! In Dakar, this modern sport will showcase its full potential to an international audience. And what a symbol it is for this Olympic event dedicated to youth!

Eight Teams, Four Continents: A Global Showdown!

The tournament will feature eight teams from four continents, promising fierce battles. Group A will include Cuba, Chinese Taipei, Turkey, and host nation Senegal. Group B will bring together France, Mexico, Kenya, and the WBSC Refugee Team, representing Syria. The competition is shaping up to be thrilling! Cuba, the reigning world champions among youth teams and ranked No. 1 globally, will be one of the tournament’s top contenders. Chinese Taipei, ranked second worldwide, will also be a formidable opponent. But the French team, ranked third globally, will have strong arguments to make. In this inaugural event, the stakes go far beyond just results: every team will help write the first chapter of Baseball5’s Olympic history. A unique opportunity to demonstrate the sport’s high level of play, celebrate its diversity, and inspire new talent across the globe.

The French Team Ready to Shine!

France arrives in Dakar with ambition, drive, and a golden opportunity to seize. Ranked third in the world, the French team will aim to prove that Baseball5 France belongs among the sport’s elite. Their first-round schedule includes three key matches: Kenya on Friday, October 30, at 4:30 PM; Syria on Saturday, October 31, at 10:00 AM; and Mexico on Sunday, November 1, at 12:00 PM. The goal is clear: compete with the best, push as far as possible, and—why not?—win a medal in this Olympic debut! The tournament format guarantees suspense until the end. The winners of both groups will advance directly to the semifinals, while the second- and third-place teams will face off in the quarterfinals on November 2. The medal matches will take place on Tuesday, November 3, with the bronze game at 3:00 PM and the championship final at 4:30 PM. Five days to make history. Five days to push limits. Five days to electrify French fans!

Elsa Lepinay: A Flagbearer for Baseball5’s Future

Another source of pride for the French delegation: Elsa Lepinay, 16, has been named France’s flagbearer for the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics on October 31. An exceptional honor for this young Baseball5 international, who embodies a generation of passionate and determined athletes. Her selection adds special meaning to Baseball5’s Olympic journey. Elsa won’t just represent France’s colors—she’ll carry the hopes of an entire community, from grassroots clubs to national teams, coaches, and volunteers who help grow the sport every day. Her path perfectly reflects France’s development in the sport. After playing for the Lions de Savigny and the Templiers de Sénart, she now plays for Évry-Courcouronnes. She grew up playing baseball, softball, and Baseball5. Her international experience, including the 2025 Baseball5 Youth World Cup, already showcases her determination and talent. Her ambition matches the scale of this event. Alongside her teammates, she hopes to win a medal and prove that France deserves its place in this new Olympic competition. What a stunning image for French Baseball5: a young club player turned international, now set to carry her country’s flag as her sport enters history!

Esteban Abrivard: The Drive to Represent a Growing Sport

At 17, Esteban Abrivard is also about to live an extraordinary experience. The player from Clapiers-Jacou’s Rabbits approaches these Games with clear ambition: to honor Baseball5, proudly represent France, and chase the best possible medal. His baseball journey began in elementary school, thanks to a coach who introduced him to the sport. Baseball5 came later, after his trainers encouraged him to try it out during the French Open in Montpellier. The spark was immediate! Since then, Esteban has progressed in both baseball and Baseball5, participating in the French Internationals in 2025 and 2026, before joining the national team for this historic moment. His time at the France Baseball5 Performance Center in Montpellier highlights his journey—from school discovery to international elite. What drives him most is the strength of the team. He emphasizes the cohesion of a group made up of longtime teammates and quickly integrated newcomers. A united squad, fueled by hard work, trust, and the joy of playing together. Aware of the significance of this Olympic debut, Esteban also feels the responsibility that comes with it. He wants to honor a sport that deserves greater recognition. His goal? To return to France with a medal—preferably gold—and unforgettable memories shared with his teammates. A sporting and human ambition that perfectly captures the spirit of these Games.

Lila d’Hauteville: A Rising Star Featured by France Télévisions

Watch this report on the 16-year-old player highlighting gender equality, the importance of hitting, and more.

Click HERE to watch the feature.

Beyond Medals: A Bright Future on Display

Baseball5’s inclusion in the Youth Olympic Games means far more than a new achievement. It’s a chance to introduce the sport to thousands of young people, highlight its values, and show that sport can be accessible, modern, and unifying. Through Elsa Lepinay, Esteban Abrivard, and the entire French team, an entire ecosystem will be celebrated: clubs, coaches, training structures, volunteers, and everyone contributing to the growth of baseball, softball, and Baseball5. This international exposure could inspire new young players to pick up a ball, join a club, and embark on their own journey. That’s the whole point of this competition: to spark new passions and open doors for a generation of athletes. And could Dakar 2026 mark the beginning of a new era for Baseball5? The potential is enormous, the energy is there, and youth is ready to take the baton!

Competitions Starting October 30: Follow HERE

Photo credits: Wbsc, Glenn Gervot, Ffbs