©Laurent_Bagnis @bagnis.pics.
In 2026, wheelchair rugby will reach an important milestone with the organization of the first Women’s Wheelchair Rugby World Championship in Paris from December 1 to 5.
This is an important moment for our sport. For the first time, women’s national teams will compete in an official world championship. Players will be able to aim for national selection, wear their country’s jersey, represent their colors and continue writing the history of wheelchair rugby.
Having an international goal changes the perspective. It gives players something concrete to work toward. It allows nations to identify their talents and organize their development.
Since 2015, the Women’s Cup has paved the way, led by CAP SAAA, a club that took the challenge of creating space and opportunity for women where none truly existed. It started with 12 athletes. Then 42 in 2023. Then 60 in 2024, representing 18 nations. National teams began to emerge, the level of play increased and international visibility grew.
This World Championship is the natural continuation of that journey. It confirms that women’s wheelchair rugby has established its place and continues to grow.
Today, developing the women’s game is not secondary. It is an opportunity to expand participation, strengthen national programs and move the sport forward. In many countries, women remain underrepresented in high-level parasport, even though the potential is clearly there.
On the court, the commitment, the contact and the technical quality speak for themselves. Anyone who watches quickly understands. Women’s wheelchair rugby brings intensity and quality that enrich the whole discipline.
In 2026, the week will include two complementary competitions: the first Women’s World Championship for national teams, and the Women’s Cup, faithful to its development mission, allowing athletes from countries without structured national programs to continue competing, progressing and gaining international experience.
This first Women’s World Championship will give players a clear objective and offer nations a concrete path forward.
The future of women’s wheelchair rugby and wheelchair rugby as a whole is being built now. It is up to all of us to continue writing it.
See you in Paris from December 1 to 5 for this journey that will make us all proud.
Sophia Azzi & Ryadh Sallem