The International Padel Federation (FIP) has announced a major milestone for the sport’s youth development with the launch of the FIP Promises Continental Finals. Scheduled for December 18–20, 2026, this landmark event will showcase the world’s top junior talent simultaneously across four continents.
Tournament Structure and Qualification Criteria
The FIP has established clear guidelines to ensure that only the most consistent and high-performing young athletes earn their spot in these inaugural finals. The qualification process and competition format are defined by the following requirements:
- Qualification Ranking: Entry is determined by the FIP Promises Ranking as it stands on December 7, 2026. Only the top eight pairs in each category will secure an invitation to compete.
- Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for the finals, players must have participated in a minimum of three FIP Promises tournaments throughout the 2026 season. Additionally, each athlete is restricted to competing in only one category.
- Age and Gender Categories: The tournament will host competition across four age groups—U12, U14, U16, and U18—with separate divisions for both boys and girls.
- Round-Robin Opening Phase: During the first two days of the event, the qualified pairs will be divided into two groups. They will compete in a round-robin format to determine the standings within their respective pools.
- Knockout Stage: Following the group stage, the top two pairs from each group will advance to the semi-finals. These matches are scheduled for the morning of Sunday, December 20.
- Grand Finale: The tournament will conclude on the afternoon of December 20, where the winners of the semi-finals will face off to crown the first-ever Continental Champions.
While the specific host cities for the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe are yet to be disclosed, the FIP intends for this event to serve as a cornerstone for the global growth of padel. By synchronizing the finals across four continents, the federation aims to provide a high-stakes environment that prepares the next generation of champions for the professional circuit.
