The 2026 FIP World Cup Qatar continues with a second day marked by high-level competition, the leading nations taking centre stage and growing interest from the Qatari public.
The second day of the group stage at the 2026 FIP World Cup Qatar has confirmed the high competitive standard of the tournament. The leading nations continue to make progress with positive results, while coaching teams use the opening stage to assess their options and prepare for the decisive matches ahead.
Taking place in Doha from 2 to 7 November, the competition brings together national teams in a setting that reflects padel’s international growth and its ability to connect athletes, federations, media outlets and fans.
Spain and Argentina maintain their status as title contenders
Spain once again enjoyed an outstanding day. The women’s team, led by Carolina Navarro, defeated Great Britain 3-0 to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Andrea Ustero and Martina Calvo produced one of the day’s standout performances, winning 6-0, 6-0 in their debut as a pairing for the senior national team. Bea González and Marta Ortega, who reunited for the first time since March 2023, also secured a victory, while Ari Sánchez and Paula Josemaría completed the clean sweep.
The men’s team, captained by Juanjo Gutiérrez, also claimed a 3-0 victory over Paraguay. Miguel Yanguas and Javi Leal opened the tie with a 6-4, 6-3 win. Leal made his debut for the Spanish national team and demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure in the most demanding moments of the match.
Paquito Navarro and Juan Lebrón secured the tie mathematically, while Aimar Goñi and Arturo Coello completed the clean sweep. The use of new pairings highlights Spain’s depth and the importance of tactical planning during the group stage.
Argentina also enjoyed a positive day in both categories. The women’s team defeated Belgium 3-0, with victories for Brea and Fassio, Osoro and Riera, and Bidahorria and Jensen.
In the men’s competition, Tapia and Libaak opened the tie with a 6-4, 6-2 victory. Argentina continue to demonstrate the range of options available in their line-ups and remain among the leading contenders for the title.
A championship with plenty of teams in the spotlight
The second day produced notable results in both categories. In the women’s draw, Italy, Portugal, France and Sweden secured victories, while Brazil and the Netherlands also won their respective ties.
In the men’s competition, France, Portugal and Sweden recorded convincing wins. Chile defeated Qatar 2-1 in a particularly hard-fought tie, with the host nation coming close to securing its first-ever World Cup victory.
The match between Italy and Mexico was interrupted for more than an hour after a Mexican player fell onto the net. The incident highlighted the importance of safety and medical attention at elite sporting events.
Doha, a meeting point for international padel
The growing atmosphere at the venue has been one of the standout features of the second day. From 5 p.m., as the sun sets, the stands welcome increasing numbers of fans and supporters of the national teams.
The presence of the Qatari public, together with international media coverage, reinforces the global dimension of the championship and its role as a platform for promoting padel.
For the International Padel Media Association, covering this World Cup provides an opportunity to follow the progress of the national teams, the work of the professionals and the development of a competition that brings together different cultures and generations through a shared passion for sport.
The group stage is entering a decisive phase. The teams continue searching for their best form, while Doha is consolidating its position as one of the leading international venues for padel.