The World Championship Pre-Qualifier (Europe) 2026 kicked off today in Ljubljana, Slovenia, featuring 30 teams from 25 Member Associations. The round-robin stage includes 17 men's teams in two groups and 13 women's teams split across two groups. The top two from each group will advance to playoffs on May 11, where champions will secure spots in the World Championship Qualifier later this year.

By the Numbers
  • 30 teams participating: 17 men's and 13 women's.
  • Hosted from May 5-11, 2026, at the Zalgo Ice Hall.
Yes, But

The event is a new addition to the curling calendar, raising questions about its impact on existing tournaments. While it provides more competition opportunities, some associations worry about resource allocation and team preparedness.

State of Play
  • Round-robin play commenced today and lasts until May 10.
  • The top two teams from each group will compete for medals on May 11.
What's Next

Teams will focus on securing a top position in their groups to qualify for the playoffs. Successful teams will aim for victory to secure spots in the World Championship Qualifier in November.

Bottom Line

This new tournament presents a key opportunity for teams to advance to a higher level of competition. The outcomes will set the stage for future international curling events, emphasizing the growing importance of competitive pre-qualifiers.