The 2026 World Judo Championships conclude on Sunday, October 11, at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan, featuring the mixed team event. Italy faces reigning world champions Georgia in a demanding opening round as the tournament wraps up its eight-day schedule valid for the Olympic ranking.
Baku Finals Close Out the 2026 World Judo Championships
Following seven days of individual competition that awarded 14 world titles across seven male and seven female weight categories, the tournament concludes with the mixed team event, OASport reported.
The event carries significant implications for the Olympic ranking path toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, according to Lazzy.Live. The competition has drawn top international judoka to the Azerbaijani capital for eight consecutive days of matches.
Italy Draws Reigning Champions Georgia in the Team Event Opening Round
Italy enters the mixed team event in Baku without individual medalists Assunta Scutto and Odette Giuffrida, according to OASport. The Italian squad faces an immediate test in the opening round against reigning world champions Georgia, requiring an upset performance to stay in contention for a medal.
The Italian team relies heavily on men’s 100 kg world number one Gennaro Pirelli, who moves up to compete in the heavyweight division for this specific team format, OASport reported. Additional contributions across all weight classes will be necessary for the Italian squad to reach the podium.
The full Italian roster for the team event comprises Giulia Carnà (-57 kg), Michela Terranova (-57 kg), Irene Pedrotti (-70 kg), Giorgia Stangherlin (-70 kg), Asya Tavano (+70 kg), Erica Simonetti (+70 kg), Giovanni Esposito (-73 kg), Leonardo Valeriani (-73 kg), Manuel Parlati (-90 kg), Kenny Komi Bedel (-90 kg), Gennaro Pirelli (+90 kg), and Kwadjo Anani (+90 kg), per OASport.
Team Event Bracket and Matchups in Baku
The tournament bracket for the final day features several key opening matchups across the international field, as outlined by OASport:
- Brazil vs. China
- Cuba vs. Turkey
- Mongolia vs. Kyrgyzstan
- Japan vs. Azerbaijan/Austria
- Italy vs. Georgia
- Uzbekistan vs. Germany
- South Korea vs. Russia/United Arab Emirates
- Kazakhstan vs. France
Broadcast Schedule and Where to Watch the Final Day
All elimination matches on Sunday, October 11, begin at 07:30 local time (UTC+4) at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, with the Final Block scheduled for 16:00 local time, according to OASport and Lazzy.Live.
Live streaming of all preliminary and elimination bouts is available globally on the paid subscription platform Judo TV, while the Final Block matches will be broadcast on television via RaiSport HD and Sky Sport Max, with simultaneous streaming on RaiPlay, Sky Go, and NOW, per OASport. notes that RaiSport HD coverage is also accessible via RaiPlay Sport 1, with schedules subject to final confirmation by the broadcaster. Additionally, OASport provides a full text-based live blog with real-time updates throughout the day.
