The Pickleball World Cup has officially landed in Da Nang, and it promises to be a spectacle like no other. The draw, held on 16 August 2026, set the tone for what is shaping up to be the sport’s most ambitious global gathering yet, with more than 5,000 athletes representing 81 nations and territories.
Vietnam, the host nation, finds itself in Group A across several divisions—Open, Master, Junior, and Kids—ensuring that local fans will have plenty to cheer for. In total, 156 national teams will compete across five categories, making this edition of the World Cup the largest in its history.
A Truly Global Cast
The line-up is nothing short of impressive. From the PPA and APP circuits come some of pickleball’s most recognisable names, joined by Vietnam’s own stars such as Ly Hoang Nam, Phuc Huynh, Truong Vinh Hien, Sophia Phuong Anh, and Sophia Huynh Tran.
International talent adds further sparkle: Roos Van Reek of the Netherlands, Quang Duong, Jack Munro, Vivian Glozman and Bobbi Oshiro of the United States, Jack Wong Hong-kit of Hong Kong, Nicola Schoeman of Australia, Harsh Mehta of India, and France’s Jay Devilliers are all confirmed. It is a roster that underlines pickleball’s rapid rise from niche pastime to global sport.
More Than Just Matches
Local officials have been keen to stress that the event is not only about competition. Tran Phuoc Son, Standing Vice Chairman of Da Nang’s People’s Council, described the World Cup as a platform for athletes, fans, and the wider pickleball community to connect and share their passion.
Beyond the matches, the week-long programme will include training clinics, a sports and technology forum, a World Market, and activities designed to engage young athletes, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and influencers.
The Pickleball World Cup Stage Is Set
The tournament proper runs from 30 August to 6 September, with matches spread across Tien Son Sports Palace, Tuyen Son Sports Village, and other venues in central Da Nang. The opening ceremony, scheduled for 2 September, is expected to be a highlight in itself.
With the draw complete and the players ready, Da Nang is bracing for a week that will not only showcase elite pickleball but also celebrate the sport’s growing global community.
