After hosting a standout competition in the 2025 calendar, Zapopan, Mexico, will welcome athletes once again. The city will hold a World Aquatics Diving Recognised Event from 16–19 July 2026.
The competition will take place at the Centre Acuático CODE Metropolitano, Mexico's national diving training hub in Zapopan, part of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area in Jalisco. The confirmation of this Recognised Event marks a significant return for the venue to the international calendar.
Mexico's Aquatics Sports Association President Fernando Platas Alvarez hailed the news, calling it "a great day for Mexico's hosting ambitions in aquatics, and for competitors around the globe and especially the Americas."
Mexico's Minister of Sport, Rommel Pacheco, also welcomed the event with enthusiasm, noting that it aligns with the President of Mexico's vision of strengthening sport as a driver of social development and international projection.
Zapopan has a strong diving tradition, serving as a training base for several of Mexico's Olympic medallists, including Gabriela Agúndez, Germán Sánchez, Alejandra Orozco, and others.
The Governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: "The news that the world's best divers will return to Jalisco next July and that the world trusts our state fills us with pride, and we will respond with high-level competitions, as well as the energy, warmth, and, of course, the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage that define the people of Jalisco. We want you to experience sport intensely, to enjoy our cities, and to take with you the very best of our people: their closeness and hospitality."
At the 2025 Diving World Cup, Mexico's Randal Willars Valdez claimed a breakthrough home victory in the Men's 10m Platform final. Osmar Olvera Ibarra also delivered strong performances, with the event acting as a springboard to his securing the world championship title in the Men's 3m Springboard later that summer in Singapore — his second world crown following his 1m triumph at Doha 2024.
Upcoming 2026 World Aquatics Recognised Diving Events
Previously, Recognised Diving Events were held in Sheffield, Great Britain; the Gold Coast, Australia; Windsor, Canada; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
The upcoming calendar of events is:
- 12–14 June — Madrid, Spain
- 3–5 July — Bolzano, Italy
- 16–19 July — Zapopan, Mexico
- 30 Oct–1 Nov — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 10–13 Dec — Christchurch, New Zealand
- 18–20 Dec — Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
World Aquatics Diving Technical Committee Chair Bashar Al-Saffar also welcomed the Zapopan announcement, highlighting Mexico's ongoing upward momentum in the sport.
"Over the past few years, there has been clear momentum in diving in Mexico. In 2025, the country hosted its first World Cup in a decade. The atmosphere was exceptional. Athletes consistently spoke about the energy and support they felt throughout the competition."
Mexico has hosted 49 World Aquatics events to date, including 29 Diving World Cups and other recognised international competitions, underscoring its importance on the global aquatics calendar.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam emphasised the country's role in the region and praised the strong collaboration with Minister of Sport, Rommel Pacheco, and National Olympic Committee President and Olympian, María José Alcalá.
"With its history, scale, and sporting culture, Mexico plays a key role in aquatic sports in the Americas. Strengthening our presence here is central to our global mission. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Mexico.
"World Aquatics thanks Aquatics Mexico, the Mexican Federation of Diving and High Diving, and CODE Jalisco for their continued cooperation and commitment to bringing international aquatics events to the country."
Mexico Confirmed for 2027 Diving World Cup
Mexico will also host a leg of the 2027 World Aquatics Diving World Cup. Events in Canada and China are confirmed, with Montreal and Beijing set to host; the Mexican host city will be announced at a later date.