Key Takeaways
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20 teams participated in Málaga, Spain
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USA finished 14th overall in the standings
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Event held from July 7–11, 2026
A historic debut in Málaga
The 2026 FISU World University Padel Championship marked the first edition of the tournament, hosted by the University of Málaga. Twenty teams from across the globe gathered to compete in men’s, women’s, and mixed categories, blending cultural exchange with high-level competition.
USA’s performance and experience
The United States National Padel Team finished 14th overall, narrowly missing out on a top 10 position. For many of the student-athletes, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete internationally and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Voices from the players
USA competitor Delfina Inza reflected on the experience: “Committing to represent USA at the first-ever FISU University World Cup for padel was amazing. I loved competing against players from all over the world, and one of my favorite parts was learning about everyone outside of padel, like what they studied and what they wanted to do in the future.”
She added: “The level of padel was really good, every match was competitive, and the format allowed us to play in men’s, women’s, and mixed categories, which made the event even more enjoyable. I hope they continue organizing it because it was unforgettable.”
Delegate’s reflections
Team Delegate Manuel Avina emphasized the broader impact of the event: “The experience in Málaga was truly unforgettable for our players. Beyond the competition itself, the opportunity to connect with student-athletes from over 20 countries through off-the-court activities, especially initiatives like the ‘Inclusive Draw’ tournament, was invaluable. It fostered genuine friendships and cultural exchange that will last long after the matches ended.”
Avina also praised the organizers: “I want to sincerely commend the committee and FIP for their vision in promoting such an amazing tournament; their dedication to creating an inclusive, high-level environment for student-athletes has set a wonderful standard for the future of collegiate padel.”
Looking ahead
While the USA team did not secure a top finish, the championship provided invaluable international experience and highlighted the growing importance of padel at the university level. The event set a precedent for future editions, ensuring that student-athletes worldwide can continue to compete and connect through the sport.
