Key Takeaways
- The fourth edition of the FIP Senior World Cup began in Buenos Aires on 14 September, marking the first time Argentina has hosted the championship.
- A total of 32 men’s and 26 women’s national squads are competing across five age categories in best-of-five ties running through 19 September.
- Reigning champions Argentina (men) and Spain (women) opened their title defences on day one against Uruguay and Lithuania respectively.
Historic fourth edition starts in Argentina
The FIP Senior World Cup 2026 officially began in Buenos Aires following an opening ceremony on 13 September, bringing together numerous legends of the sport who paraded with their national flags. The fourth edition of the tournament represents a historic milestone, marking the first time Argentina has hosted the event. Across six days running through 19 September, a total of 32 men’s and 26 women’s national teams will compete for world titles across the 40 , 45 , 50 , 55 and 60 age categories.
Each tie in Buenos Aires is contested as a best-of-five matchup. Canada, Croatia and Lithuania took the final three men’s places after coming through the qualifying phase. Defending champions Argentina in the men’s event and Spain in the women’s draw begin their campaigns as the main targets of the field, with matches on Court 1 streamed live on the FIP YouTube channel.
Men’s draw and title contenders
Reigning men’s champions Argentina headline Group A alongside Brazil, Uruguay and Ukraine. The home team has assembled a celebrated roster featuring veteran icon Miguel Lamperti and Agustin Gomez Silingo, the coach of Juan Lebron and Leo Augsburger. After earning silver in 2024, Spain will aim to reclaim the title from Group B, competing with Germany, Egypt and Great Britain. Last edition’s bronze medallists France feature in Group C with Australia, Canada and Venezuela, while Sweden, Italy, Netherlands, Chile and Mexico head the remaining groups.
| Group | Men’s teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Ukraine |
| Group B | Spain, Germany, Egypt, Great Britain |
| Group C | France, Australia, Canada, Venezuela |
| Group D | Sweden, Belgium, Slovakia, Lithuania |
| Group E | Italy, USA, Japan, Ireland |
| Group F | Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Paraguay |
| Group G | Chile, Ecuador, Portugal, Croatia |
| Group H | Mexico, Finland, Gibraltar, Austria |
Women’s draw and opening fixtures
Spain arrive in Buenos Aires chasing a fourth consecutive crown in the women’s event. Placed in Group A alongside Chile and Lithuania, the Spanish squad is bolstered by prominent names including former world No. 1 Lucia Sainz and Lorena Alonso. Argentina will seek to dethrone the champions from Group H alongside Portugal, Switzerland and Canada. France, runners-up in 2024, lead Group B with Paraguay and Germany, while Italy target another podium finish from Group C against Brazil and Uruguay.
| Group | Women’s teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Spain, Chile, Lithuania |
| Group B | France, Germany, Paraguay |
| Group C | Italy, Brazil, Uruguay |
| Group D | Netherlands, Denmark, Austria |
| Group E | Sweden, Australia, Gibraltar |
| Group F | Belgium, Great Britain, Ecuador |
| Group G | USA, Mexico, Japan, Ireland |
| Group H | Argentina, Portugal, Switzerland, Canada |
Group stage matches for both men and women wrap up on Wednesday 16 September, with knockout ties determining all finishing positions starting the following day. Opening day action features 26 fixtures, including the Argentina women against Switzerland, Spain’s women versus Lithuania, and afternoon men’s ties matching Argentina with Uruguay and Spain with Egypt.
