At the June 12 FIFG Presidents’ Meeting, key updates were revealed regarding the upcoming FIFG World Cup 2026. With a sharpened focus on transparency, sustainability, and global growth, the Federation introduced reforms to the tournament format and qualification system—potentially paving the way for the first World Cup to include over 68 FIFG member countries.
“We’re not just planning a tournament—we’re building a milestone for the global recognition of FootGolf,” said Aleks Kravanja, who led the session.
Spot Distribution: Transparent and Merit-Based
One of the most anticipated parts of the meeting was the qualification and spot allocation strategy, presented by Lucas Loustau.
Lucas Loustau, FIFG’s World cup Competition coordinator, outlined the qualification process: “The World Cup spots will be allocated based on a combination of base spots per country, world rankings, and regional representation. Our goal is to ensure a competitive yet inclusive tournament.”
Breakdown of the Spot System:
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- Base spots for each eligible country
- Remaining spots distributed as follows:
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- 75% for players holding a World Tour license
- 25% for the Top 100 globally ranked players
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This model balances representation with performance and gives every federation the opportunity to compete at the highest level—if they meet the required standards. A detailed simulation of the spot distribution per country will be shared via email for planning and review.
A New World Cup Format: Quality Over Quantity
In response to feedback from both member federations and players, FIFG is introducing a more efficient World Cup format:
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- The tournament will be split into two distinct competitions:
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- Team Competition
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- Individual Competition
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- The tournament will be split into two distinct competitions:
The reduction in overall player numbers will help ensure:
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- Higher competition quality
- Simplified logistics
- Lower participation costs for federations and organizersThis leaner and more focused format will make the event more sustainable and competitive, while preserving the unique spirit and global community of FootGolf.
Mexico Confirmed as 2026 Host
The FIFG confirmed that Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup, winning over Sweden in a transparent and well-documented bidding process. The decision reflects Mexico’s:
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- Strong support from the government
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- Strategic collaboration with media and broadcast partners
A record number of media representatives is expected to cover the tournament, offering unprecedented exposure for the sport.
SportsAccord Standards: The Gateway to Inclusion
Perhaps the most pivotal announcement of the meeting was the reaffirmation—also approved by the FIFG General Assembly—that only federations complying with SportsAccord standards will be eligible to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
This step is aligned with FIFG’s long-term objective: gaining formal recognition for FootGolf as a globally regulated sport.
Key requirements for eligibility:
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- Hosting a national championship
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- Implementing a transparent qualifying system
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- Ensuring basic governance and compliance standards
If all member countries comply, over 68 nations could be represented at the 2026 World Cup—a first for FootGolf and a major step toward international legitimacy.
What’s Next?
To support member countries in achieving these goals, FIFG has committed to the following action items:
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- Organizing a follow-up meeting on security within the next 2–3 weeks
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- Publishing the qualification criteria on the official FIFG website
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- Providing templates and guidance to help federations meet SportsAccord standards
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- Distributing the official spot allocation tables and methodology to all member organizations
A Turning Point for FootGolf
With this roadmap in place, FIFG is not just preparing for another World Cup—it is elevating FootGolf to the next level. From streamlined formats to fair and transparent qualification systems, the 2026 World Cup could mark a defining moment in the sport’s history.
“We now have a system that balances competitiveness with global opportunity. If every country does its part, this will be the most inclusive and meaningful FootGolf World Cup yet.” — Aleks Kravanja
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