Ⓒ ATPhoto, Andrew Turner
World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR), the International Federation, has confirmed that the city of São Paulo will host their 9th World Championships, which will take place from August 15 to 24, 2026.
This will be the first time in history that the sport’s biggest tournament will be held in South America, with the Paralympic Training Center in São Paulo serving as the venue.
“It’s hard to put into words the joy I feel as the president of ABRC, representing Wheelchair Rugby at this moment when we have successfully brought the sport’s biggest competition to Brazil. We understand that this opens a window of opportunity to further develop rugby in Brazil and across South America,” celebrated José Higino, president of ABRC.
WWR President, Richard Allcroft OBE said “the hosting of our pinnacle Championship event by Brazil demonstrates the leadership that they are taking in developing wheelchair rugby in South America. ABRC continue to support those developing countries through various initiatives. It is an exciting moment for our first World Championship to be hosted in South America and see the best teams travel to what I know will be a successful tournament”.
Brazil’s confirmation as the host of the 2026 WWR World Championship is a historic achievement for both ABRC and the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB). It is part of a long-term plan aimed at positioning the Brazilian national team for a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
“It is extremely important for Brazil to host the 2026 World Championship. This demonstrates the country’s strength in the sport. Brazil was just one step away from securing a spot in 2024, and I believe that by 2028, the team will be even stronger to compete for a direct qualification to the next Paralympic Games,” said Yohansson Nascimento, CPB vice president.
This will be only the second time Brazil competes in the World Championship. The first was in 2022, when the national team made history in Denmark, finishing 11th place.
Before the World Championship, São Paulo will also host another major event: the 2025 WWR Americas Championship, from July 8 to 16, at the Paralympic Training Center. This will also mark the first time the continental tournament is held in Brazil.
12 Teams, 4 Continents
The 2026 WWR World Championship will feature 12 teams, with qualification spots distributed as follows:
✅ 1 Spot – Host Country (Brazil)
✅ 4 Spots – 2025 European Championship – Division A
✅ 2 Spots – 2025 Americas Championship
✅ 2 Spots – 2025 Asia/Oceania Championship
✅ 3 Spots – 2026 World Championship Qualification Tournament
The World Qualification Tournament will take place in 2026, featuring eight teams: the top two finishers from each of the three regional championships that did not qualify directly, plus two additional teams based on the WWR world rankings.
About ABRC
The Brazilian Wheelchair Rugby Association (ABRC) is the governing body for wheelchair rugby in Brazil, affiliated with the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) and World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR). ABRC is responsible for expanding the sport throughout the country, promoting its value as a tool for inclusion, rehabilitation, socialization, and talent development. The organization also provides opportunities for professionals seeking to enter adaptive sports and supports academic research in the field.
About WWR
World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) is the governing body responsible for the sport of wheelchair rugby.
Our Vision
To be a world leader in Para sport.
Our Mission
Growing and supporting the wheelchair rugby family.