Why the 2025 WDSF World Championship Breaking Youth Is Key on the Road to Dakar 2026
The countdown to the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 is on—and with it, the path for young breakers hoping to represent their countries on the biggest youth stage in sport. The upcoming WDSF World Championship Breaking Youth, set for 28 August in Porto, Portugal, is shaping up to be one of the most important events for those aiming to meet the eligibility criteria for Dakar.
1. Eligibility Pathway to Dakar 2026
Participation in the Porto World Championship will help athletes meet key eligibility requirements defined by WDSF in alignment with the Youth Olympic framework. These include:
Participation in at least one WDSF-sanctioned youth event
A valid WDSF athlete license for both 2025 and 2026
Being between 13 and 17 years old during the Breaking competition at Dakar 2026, which is why this category is known as Youth Extended
These criteria ensure athletes are actively engaged in the competitive WDSF ecosystem leading up to the Games.
2. Porto: A Crucial Opportunity for Global Participation
At the moment, an Asian Continental Championship is scheduled, but the confirmation of other continental events is still pending.
Regardless of whether other events are added to the calendar later, this championship is already seen as a must-attend milestone for any serious YOG hopeful.
3. Global Allocation through NOCs
Final selection of athletes for Dakar 2026 is handled through National Olympic Committees (NOCs), based on allocation principles set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in cooperation with WDSF.
Each NOC must first confirm their intention to register athletes for Breaking. Once that’s done, the limited quotas (12 B-Boys and 12 B-Girls) are distributed with considerations such as:
Universality
Continental balance
Host country representation
Athlete participation and performance
Participating in a WDSF event like Porto strengthens an athlete’s profile within this overall evaluation.
4. WDSF Rankings: A Supporting Factor
Athletes who compete in Porto will also earn points toward the WDSF Youth Breaking World Ranking. While the ranking is not the sole factor in athlete selection, it can support the evaluation process in cases where multiple countries or athletes are being considered.
Importantly, it is a tool for visibility—demonstrating consistency, performance, and engagement across the competitive season.
5. Final Message: Be Seen, Be Counted
For young breakers with their eyes set on the Youth Olympic Games, Porto 2025 offers both a world title to fight for and a vital chance to be counted. It’s a celebration of the Breaking community—and a stepping stone toward a dream that only a few will see come true in Dakar.
6. Registrations Are Now Open
Athletes, coaches, and National Member Bodies can now register for the 2025 WDSF World Championship Breaking Youth. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this pivotal event—whether your goal is the world title, the international experience, or a future Olympic dream.
Registration details and deadlines are available on the official WDSF website. Secure your spot and get ready for Porto!
