DA NANG, VIETNAM – The coastal city of Da Nang has officially been named the host of the Pickleball World Cup 2026, marking a historic milestone as the premier global tournament makes its debut on Asian soil.
The announcement, made on April 24, 2026, by the Da Nang Pickleball Federation, solidifies Vietnam’s rapidly growing reputation as a hub for the world’s fastest-growing racket sport.
Tournament Details and Logistics
The third edition of the Pickleball World Cup is scheduled to run from August 30 to September 6, 2026. The city expects a massive influx of international talent, with over 4,000 athletes arriving from more than 80 countries and territories.
Matches will be held at premier athletic facilities across the city, including:
- Tien Son Sports Centre
- Tuyen Son Sports Complex
- Other city-standard venues to accommodate the high volume of participants.
The tournament will feature a total prize pool of $500,000, one of the largest in the sport’s history. Organizers also unveiled a unique trophy system: the championship cup will be permanently awarded to any nation that secures the title for five consecutive years.
A Strategic Win for Vietnam
Hercilio Cabieses, CEO of the Pickleball World Cup, praised the selection of Da Nang, noting that the move from previous hosts (Lima, Peru in 2024 and Florida, USA in 2025) to Vietnam demonstrates the sport’s global expansion.
Cabieses stated"
"To take the Pickleball World Cup across continents... to one of Asia's most livable cities, is a major achievement,"
He cited Da Nang's modern infrastructure and favorable natural conditions as key factors in the decision.
Local Impact and "Pickleball Diplomacy"
Tran Phuoc Son, Chairman of the Da Nang Pickleball Federation, emphasized that hosting the event is about more than just sport. Son said mentioned:
"Hosting the event affirms the city's capability to organize large-scale international sports events while promoting its image and boosting tourism, services, and the sports economy,"
The city has been a pioneer for the sport in Vietnam, having established the country's first city-level pickleball federation in March 2025. Local authorities have even integrated the sport into school physical education programs to identify young talent early.
Sponsorship and Global Reach
Major international brands have already signed on to support the event, including Heineken. Pablo Chabot, Marketing Director of Heineken Vietnam, highlighted the community-driven nature of the sport, noting that the event provides a "major opportunity to showcase Da Nang to the world."
With invitations already being sent to national federations (including an early confirmation from the Indian Pickleball Association), the 2026 World Cup is poised to be a landmark event for the international sports calendar and a defining moment for Vietnam’s sports integration.