Why Madrid? The City’s Case for Hosting the Championships

World Archery’s decision to award Madrid the 2026 Championships reflects the city’s proven infrastructure, experience in hosting major sporting events, and commitment to archery’s growth. According to the World Archery official announcement, the Spanish capital scored highly in its bid for its ability to deliver a world-class event, including:

• Venue readiness: The Madrid Exhibition Center (IFEMA), which hosted the 2023 World Archery Championships, will again serve as the primary venue. The 1.2-kilometer indoor range meets international standards and accommodates up to 10,000 spectators.
• Logistics and transport: Madrid’s Barajas Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, offers direct flights to six continents, ensuring global accessibility for athletes and fans.
• Local support: The Royal Spanish Archery Federation (RFEA) has pledged full backing, including funding for athlete preparation and grassroots development programs.

Madrid’s bid also highlighted its ambition to use the Championships as a catalyst for archery’s expansion in Spain, where participation in the sport has grown by 22% in the past five years, according to RFEA records.

What to Expect: Event Format and Key Dates

The 2026 Archery World Championships will span eight days, with competitions held across three disciplines:

• Recurve archery: The most traditional form, featuring individual and team events for men and women.
• Compound archery: A modern discipline with mechanical aids, including individual and mixed-gender team competitions.
• 3D archery: A growing discipline where archers shoot at life-sized animal targets, introduced to the World Championships in 2021.

Key dates:

• September 15–16, 2026: Qualification rounds and team events.
• September 17–20, 2026: Individual and mixed-gender competitions.
• September 21–22, 2026: Medal ceremonies and closing festivities.

All events will be held at IFEMA, with sessions starting at 9:00 AM local time (UTC+2). The venue’s climate-controlled environment ensures consistent shooting conditions, a critical factor in archery.

Note for global fans: Madrid’s time zone (UTC+2 during standard time) means the Championships will overlap with early morning hours in North America (3:00 AM ET/PT) and late evening in Asia (5:00 PM JST). Live streaming details will be announced by World Archery closer to the event.

How This Compares to Past Championships

The 2026 Madrid Championships will be the 51st edition of the Archery World Championships, following a tradition that began in 1931. Here’s how this year’s event stacks up against recent history:

Key difference: The 2026 event will feature an expanded compound archery program, including a new mixed-gender team event, according to World Archery’s technical committee. This reflects the discipline’s rising popularity, with compound archers now making up 30% of the elite global field.

What’s at Stake for Athletes and the Sport

For individual archers, the World Championships serve as the pinnacle of the annual calendar, offering qualification points for the 2027 World Cup Finals and the 2028 Paris Olympics. According to World Archery’s ranking system, the top 16 finishers in each discipline will earn automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup, while medalists will receive bonus points toward Olympic selection.

For Spain: The Championships present an opportunity to boost the country’s archery profile ahead of the 2028 Paris Olympics, where archery will be contested at the La Défense Arena. Spain’s national team, which includes Olympic medalists like Antonio Vivas (recurve) and Miquel Despujol (compound), will aim to use the home advantage to secure podium finishes.

For global growth: World Archery’s CEO, Uğur Erdener, has emphasized that hosting the Championships in Madrid aligns with the organization’s goal to grow archery in Europe, where participation has lagged behind Asia and North America. “Madrid’s bid was compelling because it combines world-class infrastructure with a clear plan to engage new audiences,” Erdener told Archery Focus in a recent interview.

Fan Experience: How to Follow the Championships

World Archery has not yet released detailed spectator guidelines, but based on past events, fans can expect the following:

• Ticket sales: General admission tickets are expected to go on sale in early 2025, with prices ranging from €30–€150 depending on the event. VIP packages, including access to athlete lounges and press conferences, will also be available.
• Live streaming: The Championships will be broadcast globally via World Archery’s official partners, including Eurosport and DAZN. Free-to-air highlights will be posted on World Archery’s YouTube channel within 24 hours of each session.
• Venue access: IFEMA will offer guided tours of the archery range and exhibition areas leading up to the event, providing fans with an early taste of the Championships atmosphere.

Travel tip: Madrid in September typically sees temperatures between 20–28°C (68–82°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. The city’s public transport system, including the high-speed AVE train, connects IFEMA to major hotels within 20 minutes.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Archery in Madrid

While the 2026 Championships are the immediate focus, Madrid’s selection as host has already sparked discussions about the city’s long-term role in archery. The RFEA has announced plans to invest €2 million in youth development programs, aiming to double the number of licensed archers in Spain by 2030. Additionally, World Archery is exploring Madrid as a potential host for future continental competitions, such as the 2027 European Championships.

Next steps:

• June 2025: World Archery to announce official sponsors and broadcast partners.
• January 2026: Ticket sales and accommodation packages to open.
• August 2026: Athlete village and media accreditation details released.

For updates, fans are encouraged to follow World Archery’s official website and the Royal Spanish Archery Federation.