Draw Sets Paths for FIP World Cup Qatar
The group-stage draw placed all 32 national teams in their paths for the padel tournament opening in Doha.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Soccer
The men's group-stage draw for the FIP World Cup Qatar 2026 was held on November 1, 2026, setting the paths for all 32 national teams. The tournament gets under way at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, with a €1.2m prize fund split equally between the men's and women's competitions.
Why it matters
The draw determines which nations face one another in the opening round of the sport's premier international event. Qatar, drawn into a group with Portugal, Chile and Germany, is one of the host nations navigating a demanding path.
Argentina holds a record 12 men's world titles while Spain has won 4 and finished runner-up 10 times, and in the women's competition Spain has 9 titles against Argentina's 8. Spain and Argentina together share 17 titles in women's team padel.
The players
International Padel Federation
The International Padel Federation is the global governing body that organises the sport's international competitions, including this World Cup event in collaboration with the Qatar Tennis Federation.
Qatar Tennis Federation
The Qatar Tennis Federation is the national governing body for tennis and padel in Qatar, working with the International Padel Federation to host the tournament.
The details
Argentina was drawn in Group A of the men's competition with France, Australia and the Netherlands, while Spain was placed in Group B with the United Arab Emirates, Sweden and Paraguay. Italy, Brazil, the United States and Mexico were drawn together in Group D of the men's event.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Group-stage draw held for all 32 national teams.
November 2, 2026: FIP World Cup Qatar 2026 gets under way in Doha.
Season Trajectory
The 2026 draw follows Argentina's 2024 defeat of Spain in the men's final to retain its title, extending the rivalry between the sport's two dominant nations. Spain and Argentina's combined dominance in women's team padel shows the competitive balance remains concentrated at the top.
Fans following the tournament can track which teams each nation will face in its group, with Qatar's opponents Portugal, Chile and Germany setting a demanding opening test. Those tracking the padel calendar will need the match schedule once it is published to plan viewing.
The takeaway
The draw sets the stage for a competitive tournament where established powers Argentina and Spain face new challenges from emerging nations. Following group-stage results will reveal which contenders advance.
Further reading
For broader context on the sport's international competitions, explore more in Soccer.
