The world’s elite padel players have converged on Doha, Qatar, for the highly anticipated FIP World Cup, where 32 national teams—16 men’s and 16 women’s—are competing at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. This prestigious tournament features a blend of established world number ones and rising NextGen stars, all vying for international glory in the sport's premier team event.
Key Contenders and Squad Highlights
The competition promises intense rivalries, particularly between the powerhouse nations of Argentina and Spain. Below is a breakdown of the key teams and players to watch across the men’s and women’s draws:
- Argentina (Men): As the defending champions from 2022 and 2024, they return with a formidable lineup including world number one Agustin Tapia, Fede Chingotto, and the return of 2022 final heroes Leo Augsburger and Tino Libaak. The squad also features the veteran duo of Franco Stupaczuk and Martin Di Nenno.
- Spain (Men): Seeking their first title since 2021, Spain brings a star-studded roster led by Arturo Coello and Ale Galan, though the team is currently awaiting updates on Galan’s injury status. They are rounded out by legends Juan Lebron and Paquito Navarro.
- Portugal (Men): Aiming to improve on their 2024 third-place finish, the Portuguese team relies on the experience of Peu Araújo, Pedro Graça, and the sibling duo of Nuno and Miguel Deus.
- Italy (Men): Looking to break into the podium spots after a fourth-place finish last time, Italy features Flavio Abbate and Álvaro Montiel.
- France (Men): France is betting on the future by fielding a squad comprised of NextGen talents, including Jérémy Robert, Yoan Boronad, and Timéo Fonteny.
- South American Contingents (Men): Brazil will lean on the veteran experience of Lucas Bergamini, while Paraguay is set to compete with Martín Abud and Facundo Dehnike.
- Spain (Women): The reigning champions are entering the tournament with a dominant roster where all eight selected players are ranked within the world’s top 10. The squad features Gemma Triay, Bea Gonzalez, Ari Sanchez, Paula Josemaría, Andrea Ustero, and the rising pair of Claudia Fernandez and Martina Calvo.
- Argentina (Women): Determined to improve on their 2024 runner-up performance, Argentina is led by world number one Delfi Brea, Claudia Jensen, and Aranzazu Osoro. They are also showcasing 14-year-old debutant Victoria Vilchez.
- Italy (Women): Building on their previous third-place finish, the Italian women’s team is anchored by Giulia Dal Pozzo, Carolina Orsi, and Giorgia Marchetti.
- Portugal (Women): Coming off a fourth-place finish in 2024, Portugal is led by world number nine Sofia Araujo, veteran Ana Catarina Nogueira, and 15-year-old NextGen talent Andrea Achando.
- The Netherlands (Women): The Dutch squad is fielding a veteran-heavy lineup featuring Marcella Koek, Bo Luttikhuis, and Janine Hemmes.
- Brazil (Women): Brazil is generating excitement with the World Cup debut of 17-year-old NextGen standout Julia Giusti Gomes.
