Figueira da Foz to host 2026 World University Beach Sports Championship

Figueira da Foz has been selected to host the 2026 World University Beach Sports Championship, following the inaugural event in Rio de Janeiro in 2024. The event is expected to bring together over 550 athletes from 34 countries for 12 days of competition in five sports: handball, football, rugby, volleyball, and wrestling. Beach Ultimate Tennis will also be featured as an exhibition sport.

At a press conference with representatives from the University of Coimbra (UC), the Academic University Sports Federation (FADU), the Coimbra Academic Association (AAC), and Figueira da Foz Town Hall, the UC Rector Amílcar Falcão described the event as "a unique opportunity to establish a university beach sports hub in Figueira da Foz." He further stressed that the initiative aligns with the University's policy of promoting physical activity as a "school of virtues" and aims to strengthen the UC's presence at the Figueira da Foz campus, particularly through sports.

Pedro Santana Lopes, Mayor of Figueira da Foz, highlighted the competition's potential to reinforce the city's academic profile while boosting its tourism and economy.

FADU President Ricardo Nora expressed confidence in the event's potential to "grow university sport in Portugal, especially in beach sports." He also recalled Portugal's success at the 2024 championships, where they won medals in beach volleyball and beach football.

Carlos Magalhães, President of the AAC General Directorate, stressed the importance of decentralising major events from cities like Porto and Lisbon, citing the successful hosting of the 2024 World University Canoeing Championships as an example.

The 2026 championship will take place at Praia do Relógio during the summer. The exact dates are yet to be announced.