The 2026 season of the FISU World University Championships is already taking shape, with 20 organising committees across 17 countries hard at work on logos, schedules, and all the foundational elements needed to build their events.

Seventeen of these committees, representing 15 countries, gathered at FISU Headquarters in Lausanne for the traditional three-day Championships Seminar.

The seminar was designed not only to provide organisers with essential information from FISU but also to foster peer learning between countries. The 17 committees attending the seminar are responsible for hosting the following sports: Beach Sports, Cheerleading, Combat Sports, Cross Country, Finswimming, Futsal, Handball, Mind Sports, Modern Pentathlon, Orienteering, Padel, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Shooting Sport, Sport Climbing, Triathlon, and Weightlifting.

During the seminar, FISU’s Championships and World Cups Department hosted the organising committees in the same spirit of hospitality they are expected to offer to their event participants. Comprehensive presentations covered everything from branding and sponsorship to media, accreditation, protocol, technology, and medical support.

Karl Tereping from Estonia, who organised a FISU Championship in 2024, also shared valuable insights and best practices from his experience.

As part of the seminar, each participating organising committee had the opportunity to present their upcoming championship. They highlighted what makes their event unique, shared their logos, outlined cultural programmes, and discussed legacy plans—offering a virtual journey around the globe and a glimpse into the future, all without leaving FISU Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

In the same spirit that these future hosts are expected to organise cultural activities for their events, FISU invited all participants to experience some culture themselves. On Thursday evening, they visited the Olympic Museum, followed by a dinner with a stunning view of Lake Leman—an opportunity to unwind and connect in a scenic setting.

All 40 participants returned home energized, inspired, and equipped with fresh ideas and practical knowledge to continue building toward a successful 2026 FISU World University Championships season.

*Information & photos courtesy of FISU

For more information on the FISU World University Championships, please see https://www.fisu.net/