Azerbaijan to Host the 2026 World Judo Championships / IJF.org

With the new Olympic cycle beginning and culminating at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the International Judo Federation continues its development around the world. Among the major sporting events highly anticipated over the next four years, there will be the world championships, the flagship event of the judo community and the IJF.

While Budapest, Hungary, home to the IJF, will host the 2025 world championships, we are excited to announce that the 2026 edition will take place in Azerbaijan. This marks a return for the country, which last hosted the event in 2018.

Mr Marius Vizer, IJF President, and Mr Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan Judo Federation President

This 2026 world judo championships will also mark a significant milestone as it will serve as the starting point for the Olympic qualification period for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. With Baku hosting this pivotal event, Azerbaijan will once again demonstrate its key role in shaping the future of judo on the global stage.

Thanks to the unwavering support of the President of the Republic, HE Ilham Aliyev, and the hard work of all the stakeholders of sport in Azerbaijan, the country has become, over the seasons, a major player in the world of judo, multiplying their top results during the World Judo Tour tournaments, the world championships and the Olympic Games. The pinnacle of those incredible results were the two Olympic gold medals won by Hidayat Heydarov and Zelym Kotsoiev at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.

Olympic champions, Hidayat Heydarov and Zelym Kotsoiev

In addition to hosting world-class competitions, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation has made significant strides in promoting judo education. A notable achievement is the opening of a regional office of the IJF Academy in Baku. This initiative underscores the federation’s commitment to fostering the growth of judo through education and training, both regionally and internationally.

The return of the world judo championships to Azerbaijan in 2026 promises the delivery of an outstanding competition, showcasing not only the strength of Azerbaijani judo but also the passion of a nation that has continuously supported the sport. With a world-class infrastructure, deep sporting traditions and an enthusiastic fan base, the event is poised for success.

The International Judo Federation and the Azerbaijan Judo Federation are thrilled to collaborate on this prestigious event and we look forward to welcoming athletes, officials and judo fans from across the globe to Azerbaijan for what will surely be a memorable world judo championships.