The second edition of the Football World Cup in Sailing is fast approaching. Who will secure the golden ticket from Africa and Oceania?
Dates & Locations
The qualification series is divided into five stages.
The first qualification event, the Asian Qualifier, took place in Pattaya, Thailand, at the end of December. The golden tickets were secured by the Philippines and Oman. From 2–4 June 2026, teams from Africa and Oceania will compete at the SSL Training Center in Switzerland. After a short break, the European qualification phase will begin. The first group of European teams will compete from 8–10 June. The second European qualification phase will be held from 13–16 July, also on Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland. The Pan American qualifiers are scheduled to take place in Brazil, just before the start of the SSL Gold Cup.
Group C Ready to Race
The first teams to step onto the starting line will be from Group C. Representatives from Seychelles, Morocco, Mozambique, and Tahiti will gather in early June to compete for continental qualification.
The best sailors from each nation are ready to take the risk and fight for the opportunity to represent their country and their continent at the second edition of the Sailing World Cup.
Seychelles, Morocco, and Mozambique have already had the chance to become familiar with the Swiss venue. All three teams trained on Lake Neuchâtel during the official SSL training sessions in July and August. For these nations, this event will mark their official debut on the SSL starting line.
As for Tahiti, it is worth remembering that Team “The Black Pearls,” led by Teva Plichart, was one of the biggest surprises of the first SSL Gold Cup in Gran Canaria. The team delivered an impressive performance, finishing in the Round of 16.
The road to Rio starts now, and the battle for qualification promises intense and exciting racing.
Teams websites:
SSL Team Mozambique – Gala Gala
SSL Team Tahiti– The Black Pearls
SSL Team Morocco– Lions of the Sea
SSL Team Seychelles – Flying Fish