The competition will take place from 1–6 December at the
Water Cube, the iconic venue of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Mascot Sail and
the slogan “Break the Waves, Push the Limits” embody the speed, determination
and ambition of the world’s top swimmers.
Tickets are now on sale for the World Aquatics Swimming
Championships (25m) – Beijing 2026. Organised by World Aquatics in partnership
with the Beijing 2026 Organising Committee, the event will run from 1–6
December at the National Aquatics Centre in Beijing, internationally known as
the Water Cube.
The organisers have also unveiled the event’s official
mascot, Sail, alongside the slogan “Break the Waves, Push the Limits”.
Together, they represent speed, determination and the relentless pursuit of new
records, qualities that define elite competitive swimming.
Inspired by the sailfish, renowned for its extraordinary
speed in the ocean, Sail features a rounded design and a playful personality.
Its streamlined shape reflects the performance and power of swimmers in the
pool, while its character captures the competitive spirit of the Championships.
The mascot will also feature on a range of official merchandise, including
keychains, badges, fridge magnets, cushions, drinkware and stationery.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam said the
introduction of the mascot and slogan strengthens the identity of the
competition and reflects the energy of athletes constantly striving to surpass
their limits. The governing body also highlighted its partnership with the
Chinese organisers and invited fans from around the world to enjoy six days of
world-class racing.
The slogan takes on added significance in light of recent
achievements in the sport. At the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships
(25m) in Budapest, Hungary, swimmers set 30 world records, the highest number
ever recorded at a single edition of the competition. Performances at the 2026
Swimming World Cup have further raised expectations for another memorable
season of racing.
The Water Cube will once again play a central role in the
event. Built for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, where it hosted swimming
competitions, the venue also staged curling during the Beijing 2022 Winter
Olympic Games. This dual Olympic heritage makes it one of the world's
distinctive sporting venues to have hosted events at both the Summer and Winter
Games.
Among the leading athletes expected to attract attention
are Dutch swimmer Marrit Steenbergen and South African swimmer Pieter Coetze,
the women's and men's overall winners of the 2026 Swimming World Cup,
respectively. Steenbergen highlighted her strong current form and excitement
about visiting China for the first time. Coetze, meanwhile, expressed
confidence following his recent performances, while acknowledging the high
level of competition expected at the Championships.
China's Yu Yiting, who finished second in the women's
overall Swimming World Cup standings, also expressed her enthusiasm about
competing on home soil and welcoming international athletes and fans to
Beijing.
With tickets available and the official event identity
now unveiled, the Championships are entering the final stages of preparation.
The competition is expected to bring together many of the biggest names in
international swimming for six days of medal battles, potential record-breaking
performances and world-class sporting entertainment.
Event Information
Event: World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) –
Beijing 2026
Dates: 1–6 December 2026
Venue: National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube), Beijing, China
Tickets: Available through the official event and World Aquatics channels.
