World Lacrosse and the Japan Lacrosse Association has announced that next year’s 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship will be held in Tokyo, Japan.
Taking place from 24 July to 2 August, the Oi Hockey Stadium that featured in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will be used for most of the games in the 16-team Championship.
The Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, the spiritual home of Japanese rugby union, will be used for the medal matches and semi-final round.
Marking the first to use World Lacrosse’s new championship format, the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship will feature 16 teams competing based on results from continental qualifiers.
11 teams have already secured their spot at next year’s Championship with seven qualifying at last year’s European Championship and three qualifying at the Asia-Pacific qualifier last week alongside Japan as hosts.
The line-up will be completed later this year when the Pan-American Lacrosse Association and the Africa Association of Lacrosse hold their qualifiers.
2026 will see Tokyo, Japan host the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship for the second time 28 years after it first hosted in 1997.
They join the United States and England as the only countries to host the Championship more than once with Tokyo becoming the first city to welcome the tournament twice.
World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr said:
“We are thrilled to officially announce Tokyo as the host city for our upcoming women’s championship. As a dynamic global city renowned for its world class facilities, exceptional hospitality and vibrant cultural heritage, Tokyo provides the perfect setting to showcase the pinnacle of international lacrosse.
"Japan has long been a stronghold of lacrosse in Asia, with a passionate and growing lacrosse community that has made remarkable contributions to the global development of our sport. We look forward to working with the city of Tokyo and the Japan Lacrosse Association to deliver truly unforgettable events."
JLA Chairman SASAKI Yusuke said:
“This tournament, held at the Oi Hockey Stadium – part of the legacy of Tokyo 2020 – and the historic Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium, will mark the 40th anniversary of lacrosse in Japan. It is a milestone for lacrosse, which in Japan, originated in Tokyo. Under the banner of 'Lacrosse Makes Friends,' we look forward to fostering international friendships that transcend borders and generations through the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship. We are delighted to deepen international friendship with lacrosse fans that will last for 50 or even 100 years to come.”