World Para Swimming reveals World Series 2026 calendar

With the conclusion of the 2025 season, World Para Swimming has confirmed the full calendar for the 2026 World Series — a circuit that continues to grow in reach, diversity, and competition level.

The new season has nine events scheduled and it will kick off in February at Australia’s Gold Coast, marking a significant change for the Oceania leg.

After several successful editions in Melbourne, the event moves to the coastal city for the very first time. The shift is more than geographical — it represents a step toward offering athletes a new experience: racing in an outdoor venue.

With the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games on the horizon, this adjustment will give swimmers a chance to compete in conditions that mirror what they might face in California.

From there, the tour moves to Europe for a busy March stretch. The traditional stop in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, returns from 12 to 15 March, marking the ninth time the country hosts a World Series event.

Italy’s role in Para swimming remains as strong as ever — a dependable, early-season competition that regularly draws world champions and new talents alike.

Just a few days later, the action heads to Spain for the Barcelona leg, from 19 to 22 March. After making its debut in 2025, the Spanish stage quickly became a favorite among athletes and fans for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent organization. Barcelona will now build on that momentum, establishing itself as one of the must-watch stops on the circuit.

France will then welcome the world to Paris from 1 to 3 May, keeping the energy alive as the 2026 season reaches midyear.

Just a few days later comes Berlin, scheduled for 7 to 9 May. The German capital will feature a brand-new setup in 2026, dedicated solely to the World Series format. It marks a fresh chapter for Berlin — one of the sport’s most recognized locations — now hosting a fully focused World Series meet that promises to deliver fast times and world-class performances.

At the end of May, the spotlight shifts to Asia. Fuji-Shizuoka, Japan, hosts its second World Series event from 28 to 30 May. After an impressive debut in 2025, the Japanese venue will once again welcome swimmers from across the globe to the base of Mount Fuji — one of the most scenic and inspiring settings in the sport.

The circuit will then head to the Americas as Mexico remains a key destination in the second half of the year, with Guadalajara hosting from 13 to 16 August.

The final stop of the Para Swimming World Series 2025 in Lima, Peru concluded in the weekend after 3 days of competition at the Videna Aquatic Centre.

🇺🇸 Standout performances from USA’s Taylor Winnett (S10), Summer Schmit (S9), and Lawrence Sapp (S14) propel USA to seven golds. pic.twitter.com/k1IBBSU4Yi

— Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) October 28, 2025

Later in November, Lima takes the stage again. The Peruvian capital made headlines in 2025 with a successful first edition, and from 12 to 14 November it will return to the calendar — solidifying its place as a rising hub for Para swimming in South America.

Finally, the 2026 World Series will close in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 26 to 28 November. The Emirati capital was originally scheduled to make its debut in 2025, but the event was unfortunately cancelled. 

Now, the city will finally welcome athletes for the first time, becoming the second Asian stop and the first-ever host in the Middle East. Its inclusion marks another important step in sport’s global expansion, bringing Para swimming to new audiences and regions.

Craig Nicholson, Head of World Para Swimming, said:

“The World Series 2026 calendar shows the continued growth of Para swimming around the world. We are thrilled to see familiar venues returning and excited to bring our competition to new locations such as Abu Dhabi. Each host city plays a vital role in creating opportunities for athletes and inspiring the next generation of swimmers.”

World Para Swimming World Series 2026 schedule

World Series Australia
20–22 February
Gold Coast, Australia

World Series Lignano Sabbiadoro
12–15 March
Lignano, Italy

World Series Barcelona
19–22 March
Barcelona, Spain

World Series France
1–3 May
Paris, France

World Series Berlin*
7–9 May
Berlin, Germany

World Series Fuji-Shizuoka
28–30 May
Fuji, Japan

World Series Mexico
13–16 August
Guadalajara, Mexico

World Series Lima
12–14 November
Lima, Peru

World Series Abu Dhabi
26–28 November
Abu Dhabi, UAE

*Pending Signed Host Agreement