The 2026 FIVB Beach Volleyball U18 World Championships is set to begin on July 8 in the Hague, Netherlands, taking place at Sportcampus Zuiderpark. This highly anticipated youth event will feature over 130 pairs from 61 federations across five continental confederations, all competing for top honors until July 12.

The championship format starts with three qualifying rounds to determine entry into the main draw, where 28 duos per gender are already seeded. The main draw consists of 32 teams that are divided into eight round-robin pools. The top teams from each pool will advance directly to the eighthfinals, while others will compete through the sixteenthfinal knockout round. The weekend action includes the quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal matches, culminating with the finals on Sunday.

Notable participants include Ludvig Ringoen, the defending U18 champion, who is now teaming up with Liam Karlsen. Last year, Ringoen had a triumphant partnership with Sebastian Kjemperud. On the women's side, Belgium’s Simone Vervloet, a Doha 2025 bronze medalist, returns with a new partner, aiming to reach the podium once again. Host nation hopes are high with Dutch pair Jara Both and Matilda de Groot looking to capitalize on a home-court advantage.

This 20th edition of the U18 World Championships provides a vital stage in beach volleyball, often leading to future Olympic and World Championship opportunities. Returning to the Hague for the second time since 2008, the event promises an exciting showcase of youthful talent and strategic beach gameplay.

For more details, check the official event page.