2026 FISU World University Championships Canoe Sports

President’s Welcome Message

Dear Student-Athletes,
Dear Friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to Szeged, for the 2026 FISU World University Championship in Canoe Sports.

I would like to address you first, dear student-athletes, who are and who always be the beating heart of FISU. 

Competing at the World University Championships is a career highlight for many of you. For others, it is a step up to the next level of performance. What you all have in common is your love of sport, your commitment, your fair play and your respect. You come together as rivals, from different places and different backgrounds, but you will almost certainly leave as friends.

Despite the challenging times we are all facing, you remind us of the special power of young people to reassure us that a better world is possible. You remind us of the need to prioritise sport, sustainability, inclusivity and healthy social exchange. FISU firmly believes that university athletes are the role models and future leaders the world needs.

Over the following 4 days, you will compete alongside some of the best student-athletes on the planet. The FISU World University Championships demand skill, athleticism, and single-minded determination to do your best. But beyond the competition, FISU urges you to have fun. May you return home with memories that will last a lifetime!

None of FISU’s events would be possible without the generosity of our hosts. I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the National University Sports Federation of Hungary, the organisers for their dedication and the volunteers for their passion.

FISU is also grateful for the ongoing support of the International Sports Federations. Together, we aim to provide the highest level of technical excellence on and off the field of play.

I am confident that the 2026 FISU World University Championship in Canoe Sports in Szeged will give you every opportunity to shine, to interact and to grow as people.

I wish you the best of luck!

Leonz Eder
FISU President

OC’s Welcome Message

Dear Friends,
University Athletes and Delegations,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Hungary for the 2026 FISU World University Championships Canoe Sports, to be held in Szeged at the worldrenowned Maty-ér Regatta Course.

Originally, the event was planned to take place in Sukoró at the Katalin Kovács National Kayak-Canoe Academy. However, due to the extraordinary drought situation affecting Lake Velence and the resulting low water levels, the Host Organising Committee — keeping the safety of the athletes and the best possible competition conditions in mind — decided to change the venue. Although this change became necessary shortly before the event, we are confident that Szeged and Maty-ér will provide a worthy and high-quality home for the Championship.

Maty-ér is one of the most recognised and beloved international canoeing venues, having hosted numerous major world events and offering excellent conditions for all athletes, teams, and delegations.

In line with the Hungarian Canoe Federation’s long-term strategy, youth development and the next generation of athletes are at the heart of our mission. This championship stands as one of the most important pillars of that vision in 2026, offering young talents the chance to compete, learn, and grow on the international stage.

As the Host Organising Committee, we are fully committed to delivering an unforgettable event for all participants, despite the additional challenges – one that meets FISU’s high standards and showcases Hungary’s tradition of hospitality and sporting excellence.

We warmly invite you to join us in Szeged between 17–20 August 2026 to share in this festival of sport, friendship, and knowledge.

Until then, we wish everyone the best, and all athletes a successful and injury-free preparation. We look forward to welcoming you soon in Hungary!

Bálint Szakács
Chairman of the Host Organising Committee
Secretary General of the Hungarian Canoe Federation