The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) has officially announced that Egypt will host the 2026 IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships for Men and Women, scheduled to take place from 26 to 28 November 2026 in Cairo.
The event, awarded to the Egyptian Wheelchair Basketball Federation (EWBF), will bring together teams from across the globe for three days of high-intensity, fast-paced 3×3 wheelchair basketball action, highlighting the sport’s growing international appeal.
The IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships will continue to follow an open competition format, allowing nations worldwide to participate without the need for qualification. This inclusive approach reflects IWBF’s commitment to expanding the sport’s reach, providing opportunities for both emerging and established nations to compete on the global stage.
The 3×3 format remains a cornerstone of IWBF’s strategic vision, offering a dynamic and accessible version of the game. Its fast-paced nature enhances spectator engagement while creating increased opportunities for participation and international exposure, particularly for developing programs and new athletes.
The selection of Cairo as host city underscores IWBF’s confidence in Egypt’s organizational capabilities and recognizes the significant progress of wheelchair basketball within the country and the wider region.
May Zein ElDein, President of the Egyptian Wheelchair Basketball Federation, expressed her enthusiasm, “Egypt warmly welcomes the global wheelchair basketball family to a land of timeless history and rich culture. We are committed to delivering an exceptional championship experience, ensuring excellence both on and off the court, and creating unforgettable moments for all participants.”
For his part, Ulf Mehrens, President of IWBF, highlighted the importance of the event, saying, “We are delighted to bring the IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships to Cairo in 2026. The 3×3 format plays a vital role in expanding the global reach of wheelchair basketball, offering an exciting and accessible version of the game. It provides valuable opportunities for emerging nations and new athletes to compete internationally. Egypt has demonstrated strong commitment to the sport, and we are confident that Cairo 2026 will set a new benchmark and deliver an unforgettable experience.”
“It is a new milestone for Egyptian Paralympic sport as Egypt has successfully secured the right to host the IWBF 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship, marking the first time in the country’s history—and in the Middle East—that this prestigious global event will be held in the region, commented EWBF Vice President, Adel Selim.
He added,” This achievement reflects Egypt’s growing stature on the international sports stage, both competitively and organizationally, and highlights the confidence of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation in Egypt’s capabilities to deliver world-class events. Winning the hosting rights, despite ongoing geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, underscores Egypt’s stability, resilience, and proven ability to organize major international championships, further reinforcing its position as a leading sports hub in the region.
I extend my sincere congratulations to the entire wheelchair basketball community and to my colleagues at the Egyptian Wheelchair Basketball Federation for this remarkable achievement, which adds to a series of successes accomplished in a relatively short period since the federation’s establishment. We now look forward to delivering a world-class championship worthy of Egypt’s name—on the land of civilization and history.”