The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) is hosting its largest event of the year, the 2026 World Championships in Dallas, highlighted this year by the debut of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) Nations Cup. This new competition features eight international teams and aims to showcase the sport's rapid global expansion. Announced in July and roster details unveiled in September, the Nations Cup brings a fresh, Olympic-style format that could foreshadow pickleball's inclusion in future multi-national games, capitalizing on the newly announced PPA-World Cup partnership.

The teams are divided into two groups reflecting a global mix of regions: Asia Domestic, Europe-West, Canada, and USA in Group A; Asia International, Australia, Europe-East, and Latin America in Group B. Notable rosters include the USA’s strong lineup featuring Ben Johns and CJ Klinger, while the Asia Domestic and Asia International squads showcase top talent from China, Taiwan, Japan, and other regions. European teams face some roster challenges, especially Europe-West, which has been criticized for weaker player selections and absence of several prominent athletes due to contractual reasons.

Strategically, some key players are missing or replaced due to injuries or eligibility, such as USA’s notable absence of Anna Leigh Waters and Australia missing top player Andie Dikosavljevic. The Latin America team is seen as a potential dark horse, with experienced players like Nico Acevedo and Eric Oncins combining forces. The event’s format includes group stage round robins on Friday and Saturday, followed by knockout rounds on Sunday to determine the champion, with predictions favoring a USA victory over Latin America in the final.

The inaugural MLP Nations Cup kicks off on October 30th, with streaming available on PickleballTV.com. This competition is a significant milestone for professional pickleball, reflecting its growing international appeal and the sport’s evolving structure towards more team-based, global contests. It also serves as a testing ground for future international competitions that could elevate the sport’s profile and participation worldwide in years to come.