Padel World Cup 2026: The Call Debate Heats Up

Argentina and Spain, in the focus of coaches and players seven months before the big event

The year 2026 is presented as a milestone for the sport of paddle tennis, with the celebration of the Padel World Cup that promises strong emotions. There are still seven months left until the competition begins, but the atmosphere is already becoming tense with speculation about the possible call-ups of the favorite teams, Argentina and Spain. The choice of the eight players who will represent their countries falls to the experienced selectors: Gaby Reca, Rodri Ovide and Juanjo Gutiérrezwho have an unenviable task before them.

The discussion about who deserves a place in the national team is more alive than ever. One of the protagonists of the circuit, Franco Stupaczukhas released a loud statement that adds more fuel to the fire. In a recent interview given to 'Pádel Review', the man from Chaco did not hesitate to point out Maxi Arce as a strong candidate to compete in the World Cup.

“I would definitely like it because we played together in Malaga and we get along very well off the field,” Stupaczuk confessed when asked about the possible inclusion of the drive from Salta. This statement is not trivial, as Stupa has directly witnessed Arce's growth and consistency in recent seasons.

Stupaczuk himself acknowledged that Arce has worked tirelessly to earn a place in the world's padel elite. His current level allows him to compete on equal terms against the best, and a call for the World Cup would be, in the words of the 'Polaco', “a reward for what he has been doing.”

Furthermore, the number 6 in the world ranking took advantage of the occasion to vindicate the efforts of those players who have made the leap from minor circuits to larger competitions such as Premier Padel. “When he played with me, he was there in the playoffs waiting for someone to call him to try to add whatever he could in that very difficult change,” Stupaczuk recalled, alluding to the difficulties faced by players like Gonza Alfonso, Tolito, Dal Bianco and many others who, not having initial points, were often relegated even from the previous phases.

These types of statements reveal the competitiveness and enthusiasm that surrounds professional padel, and how each decision of the selectors can generate an intense debate between fans and players. The road to the 2026 Padel World Cup is full of strategies, performance and, without a doubt, great stories of improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the 2026 Padel World Cup held? The competition is scheduled for November 2026.
Who are the selectors of Argentina and Spain? The selectors are Gaby Reca, Rodri Ovide and Juanjo Gutiérrez.
How many players make up each team? Each team will be made up of eight men and women.
Which player has been mentioned as a strong candidate by Franco Stupaczuk? Maxi Arce has been identified as a strong candidate.
Why is Maxi Arce considered a candidate? For his high level of play and for the work he has done to compete against the best.
What circuit is mentioned as a starting point for some players? A1 is mentioned as a circuit prior to the jump to Premier Padel.
What does it mean when a player is left out of the preview? It means that you do not have enough points to directly access the qualifying stages of the tournament.
What feeling does Franco Stupaczuk convey about Maxi Arce? He conveys a desire for Arce to be called up, highlighting their good relationship on and off the field.
What message can be extracted from Stupaczuk's words about players who make the circuit jump? The effort and difficulties they face to gain a place in the elite are highlighted.
What is expected from the 2026 Padel World Cup? An exciting competition is expected with a high level of play and an intense debate on the calls.