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Da Nang to host Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026

Translated by THU LE • 16/08/2026 22:25

DNO - The Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026 will take place in Da Nang from August 30 to September 6, bringing together over 5,000 athletes from 81 countries and territories around the world.

1(2).jpg — Mr. Tran Phuoc Son, the Standing Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Council delivered a speech at the official draw ceremony. Photo: VINH ANH

The event has secured sponsorship from Heineken, a global brand known for its involvement in major sporting events such as the UEFA Champions League and Formula One.

The official draw ceremony for the tournament was held on August 16 at Wyndham Danang Golden Bay.

In attendance were Mr. Tran Phuoc Son, the Standing Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Council and Chairman of the Da Nang Pickleball Federation, who also serves as Head of the Organising Committee of the Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026; Hercilio Cabieses, the CEO of the Pickleball World Cup; representatives of relevant agencies and organisations; and sponsors.

2(2).jpg — Representatives of participating organizations conducted the official group-stage draw. Photo: VINH ANH

Global pickleball gathering

The tournament will feature two competition categories: National and Individual.

Speaking at the draw ceremony, Mr Tran Phuoc Son said the event would be more than a sporting competition, describing it as an international sports festival that would bring athletes, families, fans, businesses, brands, media and the global pickleball community to Da Nang.

The tournament would provide an opportunity to use sport as a platform to connect people while promoting tourism, trade and cultural exchange and showcasing Da Nang to an international audience.

3(1).jpg — Delegates attended the official draw ceremony. Photo: VINH ANH

Da Nang is positioning itself as a dynamic, modern and internationally integrated city and an increasingly attractive destination for major sporting, cultural and entertainment events.

Hosting the Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026 is therefore considered an important opportunity to strengthen the city's international profile.

4(1).jpg — Da Nang leaders and delegates witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between the tournament organizing committee and sponsors. Photo: VINH ANH

“
We hope that when the world talks about international pickleball destinations, Da Nang will be among the first names that come to mind.
Mr. Tran Phuoc Son, the Standing Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Council

Previously, Pablo Chabot, the Marketing Director of Heineken Vietnam, said the tournament would not only elevate Vietnam’s status in the sport, but also promote the country internationally.

“With its rapid global expansion, including in Vietnam, pickleball has become one of the most community-driven sports,” Chabot affirmed.

The city has pledged close coordination and support within its responsibilities to ensure the tournament is held safely, professionally and in accordance with regulations, while creating a positive experience for athletes, fans and international visitors.

5(1).jpg — Vietnam’s national team players competing in the Open category were officially introduced. Photo: VINH ANH

6(1).jpg — Vietnam’s Junior category players. Photo: VINH ANH

Vietnam’s Kids category players. Photo: VINH ANH

Expectations rise for the largest Pickleball World Cup yet

Alongside the competition, the World Market is expected to run throughout the Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026, featuring around 200 exhibition booths across a wide range of sectors.

The tournament will also feature a broad programme of community activities and related events, extending the World Cup beyond the courts and creating a platform that connects sport, business, technology, culture, tourism and the international community in Da Nang.

According to Hercilio Cabieses, the CEO the Pickleball World Cup, said the Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026 would create a truly international sporting platform. The event will also mark the first time in Pickleball World Cup history that the global tournament is staged in Asia.

In recent months, participating countries have stepped up preparations for what is expected to be the largest and most competitive edition of the Pickleball World Cup to date.

The tournament will feature five divisions:

Open:No age restriction;

Seniors: 50+ Pickleball years;

Masters: 60+ Pickleball years;

Juniors: 18 Pickleball years or younger;

Kids: 14 Pickleball years or younger.

Athletes from different generations, skill levels and levels of experiencewill have the opportunity to represent their countries on the same international stage.

Open category group-stage draw. Photo: VINH ANH

Juniors category group-stage draw. Photo: VINH ANH

Kids category group-stage draw. Photo: VINH ANH

A major highlight will be the Championship Trophy, which will be awarded to the winner of the Open division in the National category.

The trophy is being specially crafted for the tournament and is expected to arrive in Vietnam before the event begins.

The tournament will offer a total prize pool of US$500,000.

Vietnam to compete in three categories

Fifteen Vietnamese pickleball teams will compete in three categories - Open, Junior and Kids.

In the Open category, featuring 16 groups, Vietnam has been drawn into Group A alongside Colombia, the Cayman Islands and Chile.

In the Junior category, divided into four groups, Vietnam will compete in Group A against Malaysia, Costa Rica and South Korea.

Meanwhile, in the Kids category, also comprising four groups, Vietnam is placed in Group A with Australia and Singapore.

The group-stage draw establishes the first international matchups on the road to the championship, setting the stage for a highly competitive tournament in Da Nang.

Translated by THU LE