Dominican Republic's Soccer Team Set for Historic Olympic Debut in Paris

The Dominican Republic's men's soccer team is set for its Olympic debut in Paris 2024, filling the void left by the omission of baseball. Led by coach Ibai Gomez, the team features several players with European league experience. The team aims to boost soccer's popularity in a baseball-dominated nation.

Fans in the Dominican Republic will not see their powerhouse baseball team at the Paris Olympics as the sport was left off the 2024 slate. However, the nation's men's soccer team hopes to fill the void.

Poised for an unexpected Olympic debut, the team is bolstered by a roster of several players with experience in European leagues. Many will represent the country for the first time in France.

"I have a chance to represent my roots and what's in my blood," said Oscar Ureña, born in Spain to Dominican parents. "They are very happy and proud of me for going."

Known as "Sedofútbol," the team hired Spaniard Ibai Gomez last February. Gomez, who played for nine professional teams, including Athletic de Bilbao and Alaves, retired in November 2022 and started his coaching career a year ago.

"I was surprised by the call. I played for 14 years, but my coaching career is just starting," Gomez told the Associated Press. Analyzing over 100 player videos, Gomez saw potential and aimed to contribute to the Dominican Republic's soccer evolution.

The roster includes dual-nationality players like Edgar Pujol, Rafa Núñez, and Junior Firpo, who possess European-level skills. For these players, the Olympics will be the first official contact with the national team, which qualified on the strength of its under-20 club.

Ureña, playing for Leganes, is the youngest of three brothers and the only one born outside the Dominican. "A big reason to go is Ibai, who reached out to me and said it was important and I would enjoy it," Ureña said. The team surprised many by qualifying in the CONCACAF U-20 tournament, eliminating favorites like Mexico.

In Paris, they will compete against Egypt, Spain, and Uzbekistan in Group C. "Every day soccer is more even and it's hard to win games," Gomez said. The team first met last March, splitting a two-game series against Paraguay.

"I enjoyed the experience. We made a good group, and I can't wait to come back," Ureña said. Gomez aims to make it out of the group stage, but some players have higher aspirations. "I would love to say I played in the Olympic Games and won a medal," Ureña added.

In a baseball-dominated country, Ureña believes Paris 2024 could boost soccer's popularity. "There's a lot of talent, and we can achieve great things. Playing well in the Olympics will motivate children to play soccer," he said.

(With inputs from agencies.)