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Wheelchair Basketball Canada hosted the Official Draw for the Ottawa 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships yesterday afternoon, revealing the competition groups and opening matchups that will shape the path to the podium this September.
The championships will welcome 336 athletes representing 28 teams from around the globe to Ottawa from Sept. 9–19, 2026. The Official Draw determined the competition groups for both the men's and women's teams, marking a key milestone in the lead-up to 11 days of elite international competition.
Women's Groups
Group A
Brazil, China, Great Britain, Australia, Spain, Canada
Group B
United States, Japan, Netherlands, Algeria, Germany, France
Men’s Groups
Group A
United States, Italy, Brazil, Netherlands
Group B
Australia, Great Britain, Türkiye, Argentina
Group C
Spain, Japan, Poland, Colombia
Group D
Morocco, Germany, Iran, Canada
Gabriel Zangenfeind, Secretary General of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) said:
“This is the starting point for the championships; teams now know their competitive journey. The Draw has created some very competitive matchups across both the men’s and women’s groups, which will make for an exciting group stage. Wheelchair Basketball Canada's hosting of the draw ceremony offered a first glimpse of the high-calibre championship experience to come in Ottawa this September.”
The largest team parasport world championship, Ottawa 2026 will showcase the speed, skill and intensity of wheelchair basketball while creating lasting impact beyond the court, inspiring the next generation of athletes. The event is expected to generate more than $25 million in economic impact and attract over 100,000 spectators to the nation's capital.
The full competition schedule is set for release on June 18, with single-session tickets going on sale June 25.
Jeff Dunbrack, Director, High Performance, Wheelchair Basketball Canada said:
"The Draw is an important step in our preparation as our National Teams move through training camps and competitions this summer, and into the final phase ahead of the championships. We’re excited to build on our success at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and compete on home soil.”
The championships will be hosted at The Arena at TD Place and Carleton University, providing Canadians with a rare opportunity to experience the sport's highest level of competition.
Ottawa 2026 represents a significant step forward for inclusive sport. With support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and Ottawa Tourism, the event will extend beyond competition through accessibility improvements, skills training and community programming that promote inclusion and participation.
Fans can stay up to date on schedule announcements, ticket information and event news at ottawa2026.ca.
