2026 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships: 84 Nations Compete for LA 2028 Olympic Places

More than 400 gymnasts from 84 countries are set to compete at the 54th World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from October 20 to 25, 2026, with qualification places for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles at stake.

The prestigious competition carries added significance this year, as the top three nations in each team event will secure places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The action will be broadcast live across the BBC, giving fans an opportunity to follow the world’s leading gymnasts.

China and Japan are expected to lead the men’s team competition, although Great Britain could emerge as a strong contender after retaining its European title in August with an impressive performance.

In the women’s team event, the United States will aim to extend its dominance after winning every World Championships team final since 2011. The team will draw on the experience of Skye Blakely, who is competing at her fourth World Championships, alongside several teammates making their senior Worlds debuts, including Olympic team gold medallist Hezly Rivera.

Russia’s gymnasts, competing under neutral status, also enter the competition with strong credentials following their European women’s team gold medal. However, reigning women’s all-around world champion Angelina Melnikova was among three Russian female gymnasts reportedly denied visas to compete in Rotterdam.

Great Britain will also be looking to improve on its fourth-place finishes at the most recent Olympic Games and European Championships. The team is led by multiple major-medal winner Alice Kinsella, who returns to the world stage 13 months after becoming a mother.

In the men’s all-around competition, Japan’s reigning champion Daiki Hashimoto will be targeting an unprecedented fourth consecutive world title. Meanwhile, Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour has an opportunity to make history by becoming the first African gymnast to win the women’s all-around world title.

Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade is another major attraction at the championships, competing at a global event for the first time since claiming four medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, including gold in the floor exercise.

With Olympic qualification opportunities, established champions and emerging talents all in the spotlight, the Rotterdam championships are expected to deliver a compelling week of international gymnastics.