Mondial de padel 2026, USA News (Doha, Qatar): The 2026 Padel World Championships in Qatar bring together 16 women’s national selections. By cross-referencing official squad compositions with FIP world rankings of selected players, a clear hierarchy emerges. Spain appears destined for another title, Argentina retains its status as the world’s second power, but Italy is closing the gap. Behind them, Portugal and France hope to upset the established order.
In the women’s division, the suspense surrounding the world title appears limited. Barring a massive upset, Spain will be crowned world champion in Qatar. The Spanish selection boasts exceptional depth: all eight of its players rank inside the world’s top ten. No other nation can compete with such squad depth, meaning the main interest of the tournament lies behind the Spaniards.
The Top Contenders: Spain, Argentina, and Italy
Spain possesses an exceptional selection under captains Carolina Navarro and Oriol Moyes Muné. With Gemma Triay, Bea González, Ariana Sánchez, Paula Josemaría, Claudia Fernández, Andrea Ustero, Martina Calvo, and Marta Ortega, the Spanish team could field multiple pairs capable of winning major professional circuit tournaments. Notably, the eighth-ranked Spanish player sits at tenth in the world.
Argentina remains Spain’s primary rival. Led by captains Rodrigo Ovide and Juan Manuel Restivo, the team features Delfina Brea, Claudia Jensen, Aranzazu Osoro, and Martina Fassio as a competitive core. While Argentina holds six players in the top 42 and maintains an advantage over Italy among its top six competitors, its overall squad depth is less impressive than Spain’s.
Italy represents one of the most intriguing teams to follow, building a squad capable of competing with elite nations. Giulia Dal Pozzo, Carolina Orsi, and Giorgia Marchetti form a solid first trio, supported by Caterina Baldi, Emily Stellato, Giulia Sussarello, Clarissa Aima, and Martina Parmigiani. All eight Italian players rank inside the world’s top 100, giving them a slight edge in average ranking over Argentina, though Argentina retains stronger individual leaders at the top.
Portugal and France Pursue Semifinal Hopes
Portugal features a different profile under captains José Pires da Silva and Bárbara Corte-Real. Anchored by world number nine Sofia Araújo and veteran Ana Catarina Nogueira, the squad possesses a strong top pairing but lacks depth for a decisive third match.
France enters the tournament led by Alix Collombon, Léa Godallier, and Carla Touly. Supported by Louise Bahurel, Steffi Merah, Clara Mansart, Charlotte Soubrié, and Lucile Pothier, the French squad holds three players in the top 100 compared to Italy’s eight. The team aims for a semifinal qualification, recognizing that a bronze medal would represent a major achievement against a formidable Italian side.
Other International Selections
The 16-nation tournament features various global programs seeking to advance:
- Netherlands: Led by Marcella Koek, Bo Luttikhuis, and Janine Hemmes, holding an average ranking close to France.
- Great Britain: Anchored by Aimee Gibson and Catherine Rose under captains Elizabeth Fletcher and Iciar Montes, targeting the quarterfinals.
- Brazil: Featuring experienced players like Raquel Piltcher under captains Fabricio Orlandi Bareño and Pablo José Lima.
- Germany: Centered around standout player Victoria Kurz.
- Belgium: A homogeneous squad relying on collective cohesion, featuring Justine Pysson and Elyne Boeykens.
- Egypt, Chile, Sweden, Paraguay: Developing teams seeking experience and progress on the international FIP circuit.
- United States: Highlighted by 67th-ranked Brittany Dubins under captains Ricardo Alcantara and Mariana Beatriz Talarico Nolasco.
- Indonesia: Featuring Novela Putria, Fitriani Sabatini, and Fitriana Sabrina under captains Joan Ariant Moya Rotger and Erwan Wiyono.
