The Cuban Baseball5 team proclaimed itself Youth Olympic champion at the Games taking place in Dakar, Senegal, after defeating Chinese Taipei in the final by a 2-0 set score (2-1 and 7-1).

Defense proved to be the primary strength for the squad led by head coach Sergio Arturo Pérez, anchored by standout performances from Rachel Medina and Jean Carlos Machado across the field.

The championship match served as a rematch from the group stage, when the Asian squad had overcome the Cuban team 2-0 with narrow set scores of 5-3 and 5-4.

With this victory, Cuban Baseball5 reaffirms its status as the world's leading power in the discipline. The nation's youth category maintains an undefeated record in international tournament titles, adding the Youth Olympic gold to its 2023 and 2025 world crowns as well as its recent Pan American title in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.

Mission accomplished: the Cuban Baseball5 squad fulfilled expectations as tournament favorites, capturing the gold medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games by sweeping Chinese Taipei 2-0 (2-1 and 7-1).

Cuba's sole defeat during the group phase had come against the same opponent, setting up a highly anticipated final.

The set scores reflected Cuba's tactical execution, restricting their opponents to just two runs—one in the second inning of each set—while executing the technical game plan outlined by coaching staff.

The team delivered near-flawless defense without unnecessary throws, prioritizing force outs and effectively managing ball rebounds off the boundary walls.

Although offense remained limited in the opening set, Cuba secured the deciding run in the third inning following three hits and an opponent error.

The second set featured a display of disciplined hitting, highlighted by a decisive five-run rally in the opening inning that established an insurmountable lead.

Third baseman Jean Carlos Machado anchored the offense, going 8-for-10 at the plate over the course of the match. Cuba concluded the Olympic tournament with an overall record of five wins and one loss.

"We are all extremely happy with this Olympic championship title, which included taking the win in our rematch against Chinese Taipei. It took many days of training, but the team remained united, and now we harvest the results," team captain Lázaro Díaz stated to JIT.

The victory marks a historic milestone for Sergio Arturo Pérez's team, securing the gold in the first International Olympic Committee-sanctioned event hosted on the African continent.

Mexico earned the bronze medal in the competition.