Canada to compete in up to 14 FISU championships in 2026, with London set to host World University Rowing

U SPORTS announced Tuesday that Canada will participate in as many as 14 FISU World University Championships and qualifying events in 2026, highlighted by the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championships, scheduled for Aug. 13–15 in London, Ont.

The rowing championship will mark the first time a Canadian city has hosted a FISU World University Championship since the 2010 World University Cross Country Championships in Kingston, Ont., and the first international university rowing championship staged in Canada since 1993. The event will be hosted by Western University in partnership with Tourism London and is expected to welcome approximately 400 student-athletes and officials to the Forest City.

Canada’s 2026 FISU calendar will begin with the World University Cross Country Championships, set for March 14–15 in Cassino, Italy. Canada will send an all-star team of U SPORTS cross-country runners, led by head coach Christopher Belof of the UNB Reds. 

The final Canadian roster for the event will be announced Jan. 17. 

Two FISU America events will serve as qualification pathways for University World Cups; the FISU America 3x3 Basketball Championship in Honduras in May and the FISU America Soccer Championship in Lima, Peru, in late July, which will include men’s and women’s soccer.

Canada enters the 2026 season as the defending women’s world champion in 3x3 basketball, following Carleton University’s gold-medal performance in November 2025. The country is also the reigning world silver medalists in women’s soccer after Université Laval reached the world final in September 2025.

FISU World University Championships – Canada 2026 (tentative)

World University Championship = WUC

University World Cup = UWC

FISU America Championship = FISUAMC

Follow U SPORTS International programs at https://en.usports.ca/sports/Team_Canada/ and on social media [X, IG], while the 2026 Rowing Championships website is https://rowing2026.fisu.net/ and social media https://www.instagram.com/fisu.rowing/ 

QUOTES

Jennifer Smart - Director of Sport (Events) - U SPORTS 

“Having the opportunity to participate in a full slate of FISU championships in 2026 reflects the depth of talent across U SPORTS and the continued growth of our international programs.”  

“Hosting the World University Rowing Championships in London, in partnership with Western University and Tourism London, is an important milestone and a chance to welcome the international university sport community back to Canada.” 

“This will be the first FISU world championship hosted in Canada since 2010, and it aligns with U SPORTS’ long-term strategy to play a more active role in hosting international university sport events.”

Zanth Jarvis - Director, Sport Tourism - Tourism London

“Hosting the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championships reinforces London’s position as a premier sport tourism destination. “As a former Rowing Canada National Training Centre, we are excited to once again showcase the pride and support our community has for the sport of rowing on an international stage.  

Christine Stapleton – Director, Western Sports & Recreation - Western Rowing / Western University

“Welcoming the world’s top university rowers to Western is an exciting moment for our program and for the sport in Canada. Events of this calibre inspire student-athletes, elevate the profile of university rowing and leave a lasting legacy within the campus and rowing communities.”