FIP Senior World Cup 2026 semifinals: France-Spain and Belgium-USA
The official FIP calendar places the Senior World Cup 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 11 to 19 September. The semifinals are played on Friday 18 September. France’s men beat the Netherlands 3-1 in the quarterfinals and will face Spain for a place in the final. Spain eliminated Portugal 3-0. The French squad includes Arnaud Clément, entered in the +45 category according to the official FFT selection. The competition covers five age categories, from +40 to +60.
Belgium’s women qualified by beating Brazil 3-1. They will face the United States, who completed a comeback against France’s women. The Americans lost the first two matches of their quarterfinal before winning the next three to take the tie 3-2. A fifth match was not needed after Belgium secured the tie 3-1.
Argentina defend their title, Spain remain in both draws
Argentina’s men, the defending world champions, beat Finland 3-0. Malacalza/Poggi, Lamperti/Gutiérrez and Gómez Silingo/Quiles all won in straight sets. Italy, 3-1 winners over Sweden, will be their semifinal opponents. Miguel Lamperti, 47, remains active on the professional circuit and is part of Argentina’s squad in Buenos Aires.
Spain’s women beat Argentina 3-1 through wins by Silvela/Montes, Sainz/Alonso and Castrillo/Vaquero. The defending champions will face the Netherlands, who beat Sweden 3-1. Spain are the only nation still represented in both semifinal draws.
FIP president Luigi Carraro stressed the role of senior players in passing on padel history when the Buenos Aires edition was announced.
Today’s more experienced players, in addition to having been great champions, represent a living legacy of our sport.
Times and live coverage for all four semifinals
The official FIP YouTube channel will stream all four semifinals live. Belgium-USA and Spain-Netherlands start at 9 a.m. in Buenos Aires, 2 p.m. CEST. Argentina-Italy and France-Spain are scheduled not before 3 p.m. local time, 8 p.m. CEST.
Actu Padel previously introduced the leading names at this edition in its preview of the FIP Senior World Cup 2026. The official schedule and results are available on the FIP competition page. The championship ends on Saturday 19 September.
