The 2026 FISU World University Championship season is already well on the way, with 20 organising committees in 17 countries already busy creating logos, defining schedules and generally building their event step by step. 17 of them from 15 countries travelled to FISU headquarters for the traditional three day seminar.
“There is nothing like meeting everyone in person to create links, share ideas and find solutions to our problems. Meeting the other organising committees and especially getting to know the FISU staff was invaluable”. Mateusz Mlynczak travelled from Poland to present the work he has done for the Warsaw 2026 FISU World University Championship Futsal, but also to gain guidance, gather minimum requirements and to replace “cold” email addresses with people.
The three-day seminar is aimed at sharing a maximum of information from FISU to the organising committees, but also between the different countries too. The 17 organising committees that took part to the seminar will host the following sports:
- Beach Sports – Figueira da Foz, Portugal
- Cheerleading – Gothenburg, Sweden
- Combat Sports – Brasília, Brazil
- Cross Country – Cassino, Italy
- Finswimming – Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
- Futsal – Warsaw, Poland
- Handball – Pessac, France
- Mind Sports – Liaocheng, China
- Modern Pentathlon – Madrid, Spain
- Orienteering – Vila Real, Portugal
- Padel – Málaga, Spain
- Rowing – London, Canada
- Rugby Sevens – Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Shooting Sport – New Taipei, Chinese Taipei
- Sport Climbing – Bangkok, Thailand
- Triathlon – Nyon, Switzerland
- Weightlifting – Doha, Qatar
“It is really important for us to welcome these organising committees here at FISU headquarters”, highlighted Alejandro Guerra, Head of Championships and World Cups Department. We can explain our shared responsibilities, stress the co-construction aspect of these events and try to be as complete as possible in anticipating future challenges. Communication is always key between all actors so we can deliver innovative, inclusive and successful events together.”
The International University Sports Federation Championships and World Cups Department welcomed the OCs just like these are expected to welcome the participants to their championships. They then gave presentations covering all areas, from branding and sponsorship to website and media, but also protocol, accreditation, technology solutions, and medical. And Karl Tereping from Estonia, organiser of a FISU Championship in 2024, also shared his experience and best practices.
Presentations, visits and many exchanges
On the other side, all participating organising committees were invited to give presentations on their respective events, on what makes their championship unique, on their logo, cultural programmes and legacy plans. A perfect way to travel around the world and into the future without leaving the FISU headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland!
Cultural visit
And just like these championship hosts are expected to organise cultural activities, everyone was invited to visit the Olympic Museum on the Thursday evening before sharing a meal with a beautiful view of Lake Leman.
“I am not used to organising events at an international level”, admitted Patrice Sclear, who will be hosting the Pessac 2026 FISU World Championship Handball in France. “And I am truly impressed by the value of this seminar. Alejandro delivered everything in an extremely organised way, saying something nice and something useful to each OC. I am really happy we attended these three days.”
“This seminar was so helpful”, smiled Daniel Bechard from Canada, who will host the London 2026 FISU World University Championship Rowing. “We have done a lot, but there is still a lot to do. But I definitely prefer feeling the pressure now than four days before the event. The other presentations provided many useful insights and that is great!”
All 40 participants returned home full of ideas, inspiration and tips, ready to carry on the good work towards delivering a great 2026 championships season.
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