Will Porto become a key player in international junior padel? Yes, it will. Porto will host the third edition of the FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup from June 27 to July 4, 2026. This marks the first time Portugal hosts such a major junior event.
The tournament will feature categories for Under 14, Under 16, and Under 18 players. The Final 8 matches will kick off on June 30, 2026. Teams qualified for the men’s Final 8 include Spain, France, Sweden, and Belgium. For the women’s Final 8, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France are set to compete.
Luigi Carraro, president of the International Padel Federation, expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity: “We are very pleased to bring, for the first time in Portugal, a major continental junior competition such as the FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup.” This sentiment reflects the growing popularity of padel across Europe.
Ricardo da Silva Oliveira from the Padel Athletic Club added that hosting this tournament fulfills a long-held dream: “Hosting the FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup is the fulfillment of a long-held dream and completes our cycle of organizing every major international Padel event.” This underscores Portugal’s commitment to developing padel at all levels.
The FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup is part of a series of continental youth tournaments held throughout the year. It serves as a qualification pathway toward the FIP Junior World Cup scheduled for 2027. The implications for young athletes are significant; they will gain exposure on an international stage.
Yet, Porto’s sporting landscape is not limited to padel. FC Porto is currently leading Liga Portugal with an impressive record of 24 wins, four draws, and one defeat out of 29 league games. They face Nottingham Forest on April 16 at home—an exciting match that could further solidify their dominance in Portuguese football.
However, FC Porto has struggled in recent Europa League meetings against English clubs. They have not won any of their last five encounters against such teams. This contrast highlights the challenges faced by local clubs in European competitions.
As preparations for the FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup continue, many questions remain about logistics and participant engagement. Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific venues within Porto and additional teams that may qualify as we approach the tournament dates.
