Da Nang to host Pickleball World Cup 2026

The event is expected to draw more than 4,000 athletes from 80 countries and territories.

The announcement was made on Friday by the Da Nang Pickleball Federation in coordination with partners.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 30 to September 6 at the Tien Son Sports Center, Tuyen Son Sports Complex and other standard venues across the city.

Hercilio Cabieses, CEO of the Pickleball World Cup, said that the event will be the largest international pickleball tournament ever held in Asia.

Previous editions of the tournament were hosted in Lima, Peru in 2024 and in Florida, United States in 2025.

Bringing the competition to Vietnam represents a significant milestone for the sport, which has seen a surge in popularity worldwide, according to Cabieses.

“To take the Pickleball World Cup across continents, from Lima to Florida and now to one of Asia’s most livable cities, is a major achievement,” Cabieses said.

“We expect over 4,000 athletes representing 80 nations and territories to compete in the tournament this year,” he added.

The organizing board revealed that invitations were sent early to national pickleball federations to ensure high-level competition.

The tournament will offer a total prize pool of US$500,000.

A special trophy will also be introduced and will be housed in Da Nang.

Any nation that wins the championship five consecutive times will earn permanent possession of the cup, said Cabieses.

Global spotlight for Da Nang

The event has secured sponsorship from Heineken, a global brand known for its involvement in major sporting events such as the UEFA Champions League and Formula One.

Speaking at the press briefing on Friday, Pablo Chabot, marketing director of Heineken Vietnam, said that the tournament would not only elevate Vietnam’s status in the sport, but also promote the country internationally.

“With its rapid global expansion, including in Vietnam, pickleball has become one of the most community-driven sports,” Chabot noted.

“Beyond elite competition, this is a major opportunity to boost tourism and showcase Da Nang to the world,” he stressed.

Tran Phuoc Son, standing vice-chairman of the municipal People's Council and president of the Da Nang Pickleball Federation, highlighted the city’s experience in hosting international sporting events.

Hosting the Pickleball World Cup is a significant milestone for the sport’s development in Da Nang, Son said.

“We aim to attract top players while also promoting our culture and people,” he said.

Son added that pickleball has already been introduced into local schools, helping to improve physical fitness and nurture young talent for future international competitions.