Fort Wayne Athlete to Join U.S. Powerchair World Cup Team
David Dowling will compete for the U.S. national powerchair football team at the 2026 World Cup beginning this Saturday.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Soccer
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Local athlete David Dowling has secured one of eight roster spots for the U.S. national team heading to the 2026 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup. The tournament is set to begin in Argentina on October 17, 2026.
Why it matters
Dowling's selection follows his performance in the 2025 APFC Americas Cup, where the U.S. team qualified for the World Cup by defeating Argentina in the championship match. He brings experience from his tenure with the Turnstone power soccer program since 2009.
Dowling secured one of 8 available spots on the national roster to compete against 9 other countries. The competition will span one week of play.
The players
David Dowling
He is a powerchair football athlete who has been involved with the Turnstone program since 2009.
Crazy Pinz
This is a local venue in Fort Wayne that serves as a community hub for events and watch parties.
The details
Team USA will face Australia in their opening match as they seek to build on their regional success. Local fans in Fort Wayne can follow the action at a watch party hosted by Crazy Pinz at 1414 Northland Blvd.
Timeline
2009: Dowling joined the Turnstone power soccer program.
July 2025: Dowling earned his first international cap in England.
October 17, 2026: The World Cup tournament begins.
October 17, 2026, 3:30 p.m.: Opening match watch party.
October 23, 2026, 2 p.m.: Potential championship watch party.
Season Trajectory
The U.S. team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup follows their victory at the 2025 APFC Americas Cup championship, establishing a competitive baseline for their current tournament run. This appearance marks the next step in the team's international progression following their previous regional win.
Fort Wayne residents can attend the opening match watch party at 1414 Northland Blvd on October 17 at 3:30 p.m. A second watch party is scheduled for the tournament final on October 23 at 2 p.m.
The takeaway
Participation in the World Cup highlights the continued development of adaptive sports programs in Fort Wayne. Fans can support the national team by attending scheduled community watch events throughout the tournament week.
What happens next
The U.S. team plays Australia in the opening match on October 17, 2026. A championship watch party is tentatively scheduled for October 23, 2026.
Further reading
Follow ongoing coverage of local athletes in our Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NewsChannel 15 WANE-TV Fort Wayne.
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