World Aquatics has released the schedule for the 2026 Artistic Swimming World Cup circuit, featuring five stops for the first time since the series’ creation in 2023.
While the previous World Series often included more events, the World Cup format has until now been limited to four stops per season. With 2026 marking a return to a “regular” competition year, meaning no World Championships in an even year, the expanded calendar promises more opportunities for athletes and fans alike.
The 2026 circuit kicks off February 13–15 in Medellin, Colombia, marking the first-ever World Cup stop in South America. Medellin successfully hosted the 2025 Pan American Championships, and the Colombian Federation had already announced this World Cup leg earlier this year, albeit without specifying any dates.
Next, the circuit heads to its traditional stop in Paris, France set for March 27–29 at the Georges Vallerey pool (per the French Swimming Federation), which is the same venue that welcomed athletes in 2025.
From there, the tour moves east to Xi’an, China, from May 1–3. Xi’an, which hosted the 2025 Super Final, will once again be a key stop in Asia’s artistic swimming landscape. It will notably offer a sound opportunity for the many nations preparing for the Asian Games later in the year.
A long-awaited return to Spain comes next. The city Pontevedra will host the fourth stop of the circuit from May 29–31, marking Spain’s first World Cup appearance since the 2023 Super Final in Oviedo. The Spanish federation (RFEN) has also previously confirmed that Pontevedra would be part of the World Cup circuit for the next three seasons.
Finally, the Super Final lands in Toronto, Canada, from June 19–21, continuing the country’s established role as a mainstay of the series.
After the World Cup season wraps up, European nations will shift focus to the European Championships, which begin July 31 in Paris, this time in the same pool used for the 2024 Olympic Games.
To sum up, the 2026 World Cup schedule is as follows:
- February 13 – 15: #1 in Medellin, Colombia.
- March 27 – 29: #2 in Paris, France.
- May 1 – 3: #3 in Xi’an, China.
- May 29 – 31: #4 in Pontevedra, Spain.
- June 19 – 21: Super Final in Toronto, Canada.
The full 2026 competition calendar can be found here, and will be updated frequently over the coming weeks.
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA MARMET
Cover photo: Andrea Staccioli / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto
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