Following a meeting of the World Aquatics Bureau, new concepts are to be trialled that will increase opportunities available for athletes at future World Aquatics swimming events. Applicable at both the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup Silk Road Tour 2026 and the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) 2026 in Beijing, the number of lanes used in the semi-finals and finals for some events will be increased from eight to ten. Meanwhile, a system of wild cards will also enable Member Federations to field up to three additional swimmers at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) 2026.
“World Aquatics is constantly looking to provide more opportunities for our athletes and our Member Federations. These decisions are a clear reflection of this,” said World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam.
“These new concepts will enable World Aquatics to ensure a wider representation of swimmers on the starting blocks at the 2026 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) and in many of the semi-finals and finals. With extra wild card qualification chances becoming available on our Silk Road Tour – the three stops of the 2026 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup – the route to Beijing is now one with even greater opportunities for swimmers.”
Whereas swimming competitions usually use eight lanes across the pool, the semi-finals and finals of individual events up to and including 400 metres at this year’s World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) will use ten lanes, on a trial basis. As well as enabling more swimmers from more Member Federations to reach these semi-finals and finals, the innovation is expected to deliver more exciting competitions. Relays and longer distance races will continue to be held using eight lanes during the trial.
A new system of wild cards will also be trialled at the Silk Road Tour, ensuring additional qualification opportunities for the 2026 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m). Swimmers will be able to earn a wild card for themselves by attending the Silk Road Tour stops and achieving an A standard time in their event. Up to three additional wild card swimmers could represent each World Aquatics Member Federation.
“We are very excited at the prospect of welcoming even more swimmers from even more places around the globe to the 2026 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) here in Beijing,” said President Al Musallam.
“We are determined to provide the world’s best swimmers with every chance to shine.”
More information about the application of the wild card system will be provided to athletes and Member Federations in the coming weeks.