Málaga, Spain, will host the inaugural FISU World University Padel Championships from July 6 to 11, 2026, featuring student athletes from 32 countries. The event, organized by the University of Málaga in collaboration with the International Padel Federation, marks the first official university-level padel competition recognized by the International University Sports Federation.
The announcement of Málaga as the host city comes exactly one year after the International University Sports Federation (FISU) recognized padel as an official sport. This historic step paves the way for the championships, which will welcome competitors in men's, women's, and mixed categories.
Student athletes from universities across 32 countries are expected to participate. Each national delegation can enter up to 12 players—six men and six women—forming two men's pairs, two women's pairs, and two mixed pairs. Players in the mixed category may also compete in the men's or women's draws.
The tournament will be held at two excellence centers on the University of Málaga campus: the Sport Center Teatinos and Vals Sport Cónsul. These facilities underscore the university's commitment to hosting a high-caliber international event.
Padel's growth in university settings has been particularly notable in the UK. Reports highlight the first campus courts at Plymouth Marjon in October 2022 and the inaugural university society in Leeds in January 2023. George Modler organized the UK's first inter-university competition in Bristol, followed by UK PADEL's national Universities Championships in February 2024. The National Universities Padel Tennis League (NUPTL) launched its debut season in 2024/25, co-founded by Fia Tweedie of Newcastle University and Barnaby Stephenson of Edinburgh University.
This global event builds on such momentum, promoting padel among young athletes worldwide. Further details are available on the official FISU World University Padel Championships website.
