Qatar. Ivan Cntrapared.
Spain’s women’s national team began their campaign at the FIP World Cup Qatar 2026 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Germany. The men’s team also got off to a winning start, defeating Sweden 3-0, in a day that brought good news for Spain and Argentina, alongside several results that suggest a fiercely contested group stage lies ahead.
Spain women: Three points and a debut to remember
The team coached by Carolina Navarro gave Germany no chance. Spain wrapped up the tie with three victories, six sets won and just two games conceded.
Claudia Fernández and Bea González got the scoreboard moving with a convincing 6-0, 6-1 win over Victoria Kurz and Mara Blaschke. The Spanish pair imposed their rhythm from the outset, setting the tone for a flawless day.
The second point came courtesy of Paula Josemaría and Martina Calvo, one of the major new additions to the squad. The young player made her debut for the senior national team alongside Josemaría and delivered an outstanding performance, beating Lara Renic and D. Höfer 6-1, 6-0.
Gemma Triay and Marta Ortega sealed the tie with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 victory over C. Ermann and A. Schmitz. The result confirms the depth of Spain’s squad and allows Carolina Navarro’s team to begin the World Cup in the best possible form.
Spain men: Victory over Sweden and new pairings
The team coached by Juanjo Gutiérrez also made a winning start. Spain defeated Sweden 3-0, although they had to work harder than expected to close out the tie.
Arturo Coello and Paquito Navarro secured the opening point against Vasquez and Wöndahl with a solid 6-3, 6-2 victory.
The second match provided one of the day’s standout moments. Mike Yanguas and Aimar Goñi, who was making his debut for the Spanish national team, conceded Spain’s first set in a group-stage match at the last three World Cups.
After losing the opening set 6-7 to W. Säryd and Axelsson, they responded brilliantly, taking the next two sets 7-5, 6-3.
Juan Lebrón and Jon Sanz sealed the tie with a 6-0, 6-2 victory over A. Olsson and Frost. Lebrón returned to playing on the left side, one of the day’s tactical changes.
Spain therefore collect their first three points and demonstrate that they have several options available as they prepare for a demanding championship.
Argentina begin their campaign against Chile
Argentina’s women’s team began their World Cup campaign against Chile. The matches unfolded as follows:
Virginia Riera and Julieta Bidahorria opened with a 6-0, 6-1 victory. Martina Fassio and Claudia Jensen, coached by Rodrigo Ovide, followed with a 6-2, 6-0 win.
The third match featured the debut of Victoria Vilchez, who partnered Aranzazu Osoro under the guidance of Juan Restivo. They completed Argentina’s clean sweep with a 6-2, 6-3 victory.
The combination of experience, youth and different playing styles gives Argentina a wealth of options as they take their first step towards their World Cup ambitions.
Argentina’s men’s team also made their debut against Chile. They fielded several new pairings, with Stupa partnering Chingotto, Dinneno playing alongside Ausburgues, and debutants Maxi Arce and Gonza Alfonso also featuring.
The Albiceleste conceded just three games across their matches to secure a convincing victory.
The rest of the day’s action: Excitement and early warnings
The opening day produced several results worth highlighting. Indonesia pushed Sweden hard in the women’s competition, while France dropped a set against Belgium and the United States also lost a set against Portugal.
The debut of 13-year-old Ornella Beltramino for the USA was another standout moment. Her presence reflects the international growth of padel and the arrival of a new generation of players at the highest level of national team competition.
In the women’s competition, the winning teams were Brazil, Argentina, France, Portugal, Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands, alongside Spain.
In the men’s draw, the teams that had secured victories on the opening day included Spain, Argentina, Portugal, Paraguay and Italy. However, the matches between France and the Netherlands, Italy and the USA, Brazil and Mexico, and Germany and Chile were still underway as this article went to press, according to the results published on www.padelfip.com.
The opening day confirms that the leading nations have started strongly, but also that there is plenty of room for surprises at this World Cup.
Spain have taken their first step and head into the group stage full of confidence, while Argentina look to strengthen their position as contenders in both categories.