The World Croquet Federation (WCF) has confirmed key dates for the 2026 Golf Croquet World Championship (GCWC), which will take place in Egypt this November. The tournament is expected to be one of the sport’s premier international events of the year, bringing together the world’s top golf croquet players.
According to the WCF, the championship schedule will begin with a qualifying event from Nov. 14–18, followed by the Opening Ceremony on Nov. 20. The main championship event will run from Nov. 21–29. Invitations to eligible member associations are expected to be issued in the coming weeks, with additional tournament information to be released as preparations continue.
Egypt has emerged as a prominent destination for international croquet competitions in recent years. Players who attended the Egyptian Open in 2025 praised the event’s organization and facilities, and the WCF expects a similarly high standard for the upcoming world championship.
A Full Calendar of International Events
The 2026 season will feature several significant competitions across both major codes of the sport.
In July, the Nottingham Croquet Club in England will host the Association Croquet World Team Championship (ACWTC) Tier 2 and Tier 3 events, which have drawn a record number of entries.
Later in the summer, July and August will see the return of one of the sport’s most historic competitions: the MacRobertson Shield, the Tier 1 event of the ACWTC series. The 2026 contest marks the centenary edition of the storied test series, in which the traditional “big four” croquet nations compete. The milestone anniversary is expected to draw significant international attention.
Reflecting on a Strong 2025 Season
The WCF highlighted 2025 as a successful year for international croquet, featuring several major competitions including the Golf Croquet World Team Championship (GCWTC) Tier 1, 2 and 3 events, the Under-21 Golf Croquet World Championship, and the Association Croquet World Championship, which was held in Florida in October.
The federation expressed appreciation for the volunteers who help stage these events, noting that roles ranging from referees and hoop setters to tournament organizers and catering teams are essential to delivering successful international competitions.
The WCF also acknowledged the athletes themselves, praising players who continue to represent their countries and pursue excellence at the highest levels of the sport.
Croquet’s Growing Global Audience
One trend highlighted by the federation is the rapid growth of live streaming coverage of international croquet. With tournaments increasingly broadcast online, fans around the world are now able to follow matches in real time, while platforms such as CroquetScores provide instant updates and results.
The increased accessibility has expanded the sport’s global community, allowing supporters to follow major tournaments regardless of location.
Organizational Milestones for the WCF
The federation also announced an important structural change. On Jan. 28, 2026, the WCF formally became a company limited by guarantee based in England, a move intended to strengthen governance and support the organization’s long-term development.
The WCF management committee thanked members of the incorporation subcommittee—including Debbie Lines, Samir Patel, Peter Payne, and Stephen Mulliner—for their work in achieving the milestone.
According to the federation, the new structure will help guide the organization as it reviews its governance and strategic priorities for the coming decades.
Expanding Membership
The WCF also welcomed Mauritius and the Netherlands as its newest Recognized Croquet Organizations (RCOs), bringing total membership to 31 national bodies.
Mauritius has already established a reputation for hosting international competitions, including a successful annual tournament. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is preparing to open a purpose-built croquet lawn expected to be ready later this year.
The federation said it looks forward to supporting the continued growth of the sport in both countries as well as in emerging croquet regions around the world.
With a packed calendar and expanding global participation, the WCF expects 2026 to be another landmark year for international croquet, culminating with the Golf Croquet World Championship in Egypt this November.