Spain has named the sixteen players selected for the padel World Cup in Doha, the 2026 FIP World Cup, scheduled for 2-7 November. Aimar Goñi and Martina Calvo are included, while Carolina Navarro selected Marta Ortega ahead of Alejandra Salazar to complete the women’s squad.
Aimar Goñi selected with Doha’s fast conditions in mind
Juanjo Gutiérrez selected Arturo Coello, Juan Lebrón, Mike Yanguas and Jon Sanz on the right, with Alejandro Galán, Coki Nieto, Paquito Navarro and Aimar Goñi on the left. Goñi is the main new face in the men’s squad. The 20-year-old from Pamplona was 32nd in the FIP ranking on 21 September.
The Spanish coach said he built the squad around the expected conditions in Qatar, where the court is expected to play fast. He wanted aggressive profiles able to adapt to that setting.
“I’m looking for an aggressive and brave team, because we’re going to need that, and one that adapts to the conditions in Doha.”
Gutiérrez therefore included Goñi and Jon Sanz among his final choices. Spain will try to regain the men’s team world title from Argentina, the 2024 champions.
Martina Calvo selected as Marta Ortega gets the nod over Ale Salazar
Carolina Navarro selected Gemma Triay, Ari Sánchez, Bea González and Martina Calvo on the left. Paula Josemaría, Claudia Fernández, Andrea Ustero and Marta Ortega are the options on the right. Calvo, 18, was eighth in the FIP ranking published on 21 September.
The final decision mainly came down to Marta Ortega and Alejandra Salazar. Navarro said Doha’s fast conditions and recent form were part of her criteria. Salazar, 40, who is due to retire from professional padel at the end of the season, will not play this World Cup for Spain.
“I had a lot of doubts between Marta Ortega and Alejandra. They both deserve it.”
Navarro added that she would have chosen Ortega even if she put Salazar’s announced retirement to one side. Spain’s women travel to Doha as defending champions after winning the 2024 title.
Spain’s 16 players selected for Doha
Men: Arturo Coello, Juan Lebrón, Mike Yanguas, Jon Sanz, Alejandro Galán, Coki Nieto, Paquito Navarro and Aimar Goñi.
Women: Gemma Triay, Ari Sánchez, Bea González, Martina Calvo, Paula Josemaría, Claudia Fernández, Andrea Ustero and Marta Ortega.
The FIP World Cup will feature 16 men’s national teams and 16 women’s national teams in Doha from 2 to 7 November 2026.
