Doha, Qatar: Hosts Qatar will face Portugal, Chile and Germany in Group C of the men’s competition at the FIP World Cup Qatar 2026, which gets under way today at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.
The group-stage draw, held yesterday, confirmed the path for all 32 national teams competing in the men’s and women’s events, with record title-winners Argentina and Spain once again aiming to go all the way to the top in Doha.
In the men’s competition, defending champions Argentina have been drawn alongside France, Australia and the Netherlands in Group A, while Spain, who finished runners-up to Argentina in Doha two years ago, will face the United Arab Emirates, Sweden and Paraguay in Group B.
In Group C, Qatar will be challenged by Portugal who claimed third place in the 2024 edition, while Chile and Germany are also expected to pose a formidable test.
Qatar will be represented by an eight-member squad featuring a blend of experience and young talent.
The team includes Asian Games gold medallists Rashed Naif and Mashari Naif, who made history by winning the men’s padel title at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Experienced campaigners Mohammed Al-Kuwari and Hassan Waly, Mohammed Al-Khanji, Issa Alharrasi, Khalid Al-Kuwari and Rayyan Aljufairi are also part of the Qatar squad.
Group D features Italy, Brazil, the United States and Mexico.
Argentina will be chasing their third consecutive men’s world title after triumphing in 2022 and 2024.
The South American giants have dominated the competition since its inception in 1992, winning a record 12 titles.
Spain, meanwhile, have won four men’s world titles and finished runners-up on 10 occasions, underlining the fierce rivalry between the two nations.
Argentina defeated Spain in the men’s final of the 2024 World Cup in Doha to retain their crown.
In the women’s competition, defending champions Spain will begin their campaign against Brazil, Germany and Great Britain in Group A.
Argentina, who finished runners-up in the previous edition, have been drawn alongside France, Chile and Belgium in Group B.
Group C comprises Italy, Sweden, Egypt and Indonesia, while Portugal, the Netherlands, the United States and Paraguay complete Group D.
Spain will be seeking to extend their remarkable dominance in the women’s competition, having won nine world titles, including the last six editions.
Argentina remain their closest rivals with eight titles, having also finished runners-up on nine occasions.
The two nations have dominated women’s team padel since the inaugural World Championships in 1992, sharing all 17 titles so far. Spain defeated Argentina in the women’s final in Doha two years ago to retain their crown, completing another successful campaign on the international stage.
Organised by the International Padel Federation (FIP) in collaboration with the Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF), the tournament will feature a record prize fund of €1.2m, equally divided between the men’s and women’s competitions, making it the most lucrative edition in the history of the World Cup.
