The 2026 Association Croquet World Team Championship — Tier 1, competing for the historic MacRobertson Shield — will take place in England from July 24 to August 9, 2026. The event will feature the four powerhouse nations of world croquet: England (defending champions), Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Multi-Venue Format Across England
For the first time, the Tier 1 championship will unfold across multiple venues and phases, each consisting of two test matches.
Phase 1 (July 24–28): Roehampton Club and Hurlingham Club (London)
Phase 2 (July 30–August 3): Sussex County Croquet Club, near Brighton
Phase 3 (August 5–9): Surbiton Croquet Club, London
Each location offers premier facilities, with a total of 22 lawns prepared to host the world’s elite players under exacting championship conditions.
Centenary Celebration of the MacRobertson Shield
This edition also marks the 101st anniversary of the MacRobertson Shield, first contested in 1925. To honor the milestone, a Centenary Dinner will be held at the Roehampton Club on July 28, 2026 — the very venue where the inaugural test between England and Australia took place a century ago.
Competition Format and Regulations
Matches will be played under the 7th Edition of the WCF Laws of Association Croquet, alongside the most current versions of the WCF Event, Sports, and Refereeing Regulations. The Specific Event Regulations for 2026, currently being finalized by the WCF MacRobertson Shield Committee, will be published closer to the event.
Play will begin daily at 9:30 a.m., and Quadway hoops will be used throughout. Practice sessions will be available at each venue prior to each test, with schedules to be announced.
Opening Ceremony and Player Briefing
The Player Briefing and Opening Reception are set for July 23, 2026, at the Roehampton Club. The briefing, led by the Tournament Director and key officials, will outline event procedures, followed by an informal reception where team captains will introduce their squads and announce doubles pairings.
Event Leadership
Tournament Director: Phil Cordingley
Tournament Manager: Mike Town
WCF Event Lead: Rosemary Landrebe
Croquet England Representative: Ian Lines
Catering, Flags, and Atmosphere
Each venue will provide lunch and tea service for players, officials, and guests. National flags of the competing nations will be flown prominently throughout the championship, reinforcing the sense of international camaraderie and competition.
Tiers 2.1, 2.2, and 3
While the world’s elite battle for the MacRobertson Shield, lower tiers of the World Team Championship — Tiers 2.1, 2.2, and 3 — will be contested at Nottingham Croquet Club from July 22–27, 2026, featuring teams from emerging croquet nations.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Team Lists & Entry Fees Due: April 24, 2026
Player Information Due: May 24, 2026
Team Seeding Date: July 15, 2026
Opening Ceremony: July 23, 2026
Additional Tier 2.1, 2.2 and 3 Information: WCF Website
Travel and Accommodation
Players and teams are responsible for their own travel and accommodation. Additional details and recommendations will be released by the organizing committee.
Travel Safety Guidance
Competitors and visitors are encouraged to review travel advisories, confirm visa requirements, safeguard important documents, and maintain regular contact with family during international travel. Standard health, safety, and insurance precautions are strongly recommended.
About the MacRobertson Shield
First played in 1925, the MacRobertson Shield is the pinnacle of international Association Croquet, contested every three to four years between the top four croquet-playing nations. England currently holds the title after winning the 2022 championship.