.png){kind=small}
The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) is pleased to announce the hosts and dates for the 2026 IWBF Repechage events, the final qualification tournaments for the 2026 IWBF World Championships.
Following an extensive bidding process, the IWBF Executive Council has confirmed the following:
- Women’s Repechage: Madrid, Spain | 8-11 June 2026
- Men’s Repechage: Suphan Buri, Thailand | 8-11 June 2026
The Spanish Federation of Sports for People with Physical Disabilities (FEDDF) has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 IWBF Women’s Repechage, while the Sport Association for Wheelchair Basketball Thailand (SAWBT) has been selected to host the 2026 IWBF Men’s Repechage.
Madrid brings a strong track record of hosting international wheelchair basketball events, and IWBF is confident that FEDDF will deliver a highly professional and athlete-centred competition environment. Thailand has demonstrated exceptional organisational capacity through a history of zonal competitions, as well as hosting junior world competitions in the past, and IWBF looks forward to building on that success for this key qualification event.
IWBF President Ulf Mehrens:
“We are pleased to confirm Spain and Thailand as the hosts for the 2026 Repechage events. Both nations bring strong experience and commitment to wheelchair basketball, and we are confident they will deliver high-quality tournaments that support teams in their final preparations for the World Championships.”
Both tournaments will take place between 5–12 June 2026, with competition days scheduled for 8–11 June.
The June 2026 competition window was confirmed following careful consultation with key stakeholders and consideration of key factors including team preparation timelines, host operational requirements, alignment with the 2026 World Championships, domestic league calendars, and overall player welfare.
Gabriel Zangenfeind, IWBF Secretary General:
“The decision regarding the timing of the Repechage events was not an easy one and required extensive deliberation. We recognise the many pressures on teams, leagues, and organisers, and we carefully considered all feedback to reach the most balanced solution possible. Looking ahead, strengthening long-term planning and developing a more coordinated global competition calendar remain key strategic priorities for IWBF. We are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to support athlete welfare, competitive fairness, and the continued growth of our sport worldwide.”
The Repechage tournaments will serve as the final opportunity for teams to secure a coveted place at the 2026 IWBF World Championships.
Enrique Álvarez, FEDDF President said:
“For the entire FEDDF family, and especially for BSR España, it is a massive happiness that the IWBF has placed its trust in Spain to host the qualifying tournament ‘Repechage’ for the 2026 World Championship in Canada. This is the first time our country has had the privilege of organizing a global-level wheelchair basketball event, and this fills us with responsibility and commitment to ensure that the organisation is a complete success and that athletes from different parts of the world feel at home. Our commitment to women’s wheelchair basketball remains strong, and this news will open a world of opportunities for us throughout 2026. Thank you, IWBF!”
Phatt Krissana, SAWBT President, said:
“We are honoured that Suphan Buri has been selected to host the 2026 IWBF Men’s Repechage. As the home of the Thailand National Paralympic Centre, the city offers excellent facilities and strong accessibility for para sport athletes. We are committed to delivering a well-organised tournament and ensuring all teams feel welcomed. It is a privilege for Thailand to support this final qualification stage, and we look forward to hosting an inspiring event.”
Qualified Teams
Women’s Repechage:
Spain, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Australia, Thailand, and France, with the final spot to be determined following the IWBF Africa Championship.
Click Here for all the information on the 2026 IWBF Women's Repechage.
Men’s Repechage:
Thailand (host), Iran, Korea, Brazil, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Poland, with the final spot to be determined following the IWBF Africa Championship.
Click Here for all the information on the 2026 IWBF Men's Repechage.
The draw date and the final competition schedule will be released shortly.
