Da Nang to Host the 2026 Pickleball World Cup: A Historic First for Asia

2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang

In a groundbreaking development, Da Nang, located in central Vietnam, will be the venue for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup, marking the first occasion this prestigious tournament is held in Asia. As reported by a local news outlet, the event is anticipated to draw over 4,000 competitors from around 80 nations, making it one of the largest events in the sport's history.

Scheduled from August 30 to September 6, the tournament will take place at various locations, including the Tien Son Sports Center and Tuyen Son Sports Complex. Hercilio Cabieses, the CEO of the Pickleball World Cup, referred to this development as a significant milestone for the sport. He stated, “Taking the Pickleball World Cup across continents, from Lima to Florida and now to one of Asia’s most livable cities, is a major achievement.”

Cabieses also confirmed the expected scale of participation, noting, “We anticipate over 4,000 athletes from 80 nations and territories to compete this year.” Previous tournaments were hosted in Lima, Peru in 2024 and Florida, USA in 2025. The decision to bring the event to Vietnam underscores the rapid global expansion of pickleball and its growing presence in Asia.

The organizing committee has proactively reached out to national federations to ensure robust international participation. The tournament will feature a substantial prize pool of $500,000. Additionally, a unique trophy system will be implemented, where any nation winning the championship five times consecutively will receive the championship cup permanently.

Major sponsorships have already been secured, including support from Heineken. Pablo Chabot, the marketing director for Heineken Vietnam, emphasized the broader implications of the tournament, stating, “With its rapid global expansion, including in Vietnam, pickleball has become one of the most community-driven sports. Beyond elite competition, this is a major opportunity to boost tourism and showcase Da Nang to the world.”

Local officials view this event as a pivotal moment for the sport's growth. Tran Phuoc Son, the standing vice-chairman of the municipal People’s Council and president of the Da Nang Pickleball Federation, expressed the city’s readiness, stating, “We aim to attract top players while also promoting our culture and people.” He also mentioned that pickleball has been introduced in local schools, enhancing fitness levels and identifying young talent for future competitions. With global participation, strong support, and increasing local enthusiasm, the 2026 Pickleball World Cup is poised to position Da Nang at the forefront of the sport's international calendar.