The Executive Committee of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) has designated the host cities for the 2026 World University Championships. Twenty-four cities from 18 different countries will host the various events. Italy (cross-country and speed skating), China (cycling and mind sports), Spain (modern pentathlon and padel) and Portugal (orienteering and beach sports) will be entitled to two world championships. Padel is included in the lot for the very first time and will be held specifically in Malaga. “This marks a significant milestone for the sport, providing college athletes with the opportunity to compete on the international stage , justifies the federation. The inclusion of padel reflects FISU's desire to diversify its sports programme and to follow new trends in university sports." The other competitions will be divided between Qatar, Switzerland, India, Thailand, Canada, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, France, Mexico, Poland, Egypt, Brazil, Sweden and Hungary. The organization of powerlifting (Sharjah), sailing (Abu Dhabi), speed skating (Baselga de Pinè) and squash (Mumbai) has yet to be definitively confirmed.
