The first event, Cassino 2026 FISU World University Championship Cross Country, is scheduled on 14-15 March and the last one, Bangkok 2026 FISU World University Championship Golf, will close the season from 11-14 November.
Back in 1963, the International University Sports Federation launched the FISU World University Championships – the first one was handball in Lund (Sweden) – , believing having the summer and winter editions of the FISU World University Games every other year was not enough for university sports enthusiasts and competitors.
And of course we totally support that decision, as we can’t wait for the 2026 FISU World University Championship season to start! This will be a rich one, with 22 events scheduled on four continents and two cluster sports championships, with Combat Sports (8-13 June in Brasilia, Brazil) and Beach Sports (17-22 September in Figueira da Foz, Portugal).
Click below for a teaser to get everyone in the mood!
Due to the growing security concerns in the Middle East region, after careful monitoring, assessments and consideration, and in close cooperation with the Organising Committee, FISU has regrettably decided to postpone the Sharm El-Sheikh 2026 FISU World University Championship Finswimming until further notice.
You will find the programme of all the 2026 FISU World University Championships as well as their official websites and social media platforms. And you can look forward to an expanded offer on FISU.TV, including free live streaming, on‑demand content, and highlights for a selection of Championship events.
The cross country runners are the first on stage
First up is the Cassino 2026 FISU World University Championship Cross Country and it’s lovely mascot, the lioness Lia.
Cassino is an Italian city conveniently located about 130 km from Rome and 90 km from Naples. It boasts nearly 35,000 inhabitants and is a vibrant cultural and educational hub, home to the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio. It offers a unique blend of history, nature, sport, and modern life.
Since the 1950s, its proximity to the world-class Olympic Training Center in Formia has made it a significant destination for athletes.
The sport and categories
The FISU World University Championship Cross Country includes both individual and team competitions, following the official World Athletics regulations. The event takes place over two competition days, on 14 and 15 March.
- 14 March – Individual Races (all times in Central European Time)
- 10h: Women’s Short Race – 3km
- 10h30: Men’s Short Race – 3 km
- 11h: Women’s Long Race – 10 km
- 11h30: Men’s Long Race – 10 km
- 15 March – Mixed Relays:
- 10h: Short Mixed Relay – 4 laps (each athlete runs one lap, approx. 1.5–2 km)
- 10h45: Long Mixed Relay – 10 laps (the first two athletes run 3 laps each, the last two run 2 laps each, approx. 4.5–6 km)
- Country Challenge Trophy: Awarded to the best overall delegation combining all individual and relay results.
The participants
More than 250 student-athletes from 30 countries representing all five continents have travelled to Italy for this first FISU World University Championship of the season! Over 70 officials have accompanied them and all of them must be super excited to run and win if not a medal, some precious experience for their personal journeys.
Each national delegation may include up to:
- 16 athletes (maximum 8 men and 8 women)
- Up to 4 athletes per individual race (men’s and women’s, short and long).
- Up to 2 mixed relay teams per delegation (each with 2 men and 2 women).
Athletes competing in individual events may also take part in the mixed relays.
Who will climb on the podiums in Cassino? Who will be the proud successors of the South Africans, who dominated the event in Oman two years ago? Great Britain, Spain and the host country Italy are bringing impressive delegations and will for sure want to shine this weekend.
In 2024 at the Muscat FISU World University Championship Cross Country, Great Britain, Spain and South Africa composed the mix short relay podium and Spain, France and South Africa won the mix long relay medals.
South Africa also dominated the individual races, only “disturbed” by Uganda’s Seth Akampa who took the gold in the men’s long race.
All the links to follow the event
You can watch all the action live on FISU.tv, where all the events will be streamed live. For more info and results, don’t hesitate to visit the event’s official website.
Good luck to all participants and to everyone involved in this first event. May the sun take part in all the events! Let’s get this 2026 FISU World University Championship season started!
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