OTTAWA – Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL) is announcing important updates to the athlete selection processes for two major international events taking place in 2026: the U17 Pan-American Championships and the FISU World University Championship Combat Sports.

Due to the timing of these events in relation to the 2026 Canadian Championships (Senior, Junior, Cadet), WCL will implement separate selection guidelines to ensure athletes are evaluated through the most relevant and competitive performances available.

2026 U17 Pan-American Championships – Updated Selection Process

To determine selection for the 2026 U17 Pan-American Championship team (April 2-4, 2026, in Panama City, Panama) in Women’s Wrestling (WW) and Men’s Freestyle (FS), WCL will evaluate athlete results from a series of designated competitions. Selection will be based on each athlete’s best two finishes from the events listed below, along with additional outstanding performances and relevant head-to-head results.

Eligible Evaluation Events

• 2025 U17 Canadian U17–Cadet Championships – Edmonton, AB (May 2025)
• 2025 Matmen Classic – Brampton, ON (December 13–14, 2025)
• 2026 Jurassic Classic – Calgary, AB (January 3, 2026)
• 2026 Western Canada Age Class – Richmond, BC (January 23–25, 2026)
• 2026 Eastern Canadian Championships – Fredericton, NB (February 1, 2026)
• 2025/2026 outstanding performances from any other recognized competitions

2025/2026 head-to-head matches against opponents competing for the same weight class Age Eligibility (UWW U17 age category):

• 16 to 17 years of age (born in 2009, 2010)
• Athletes 15 years of age (born 2011) may compete, however parental authorization and and a medical certificate are required

Submission is required for consideration. Athletes wishing to be considered for selection must submit:

• Name
• Date of birth
• UWW weight class
• Tournament results

All information must be sent to: Kale Whitton, High Performance Manager, by February 7, 2026, at: [email protected]

Click here to view the 2026 U17 Pan-American Championships team selection criteria.

2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports –Selection Process

For the 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sport (June 8-13, 2026, in Brasilia, Brazil), athlete selections will be determined through results from the 2026 Guelph Open, which will be contested using the ten (10) UWW senior weight classes for both women and men’s freestyle. The event will establish ranking positions for FISU eligible athletes.

The top ranked FISU eligible athlete from the 2026 Guelph Open (following true second matches, if applicable) will have first right of refusal for selection in each weight class.

It is important to note that athletes must:

• Be at least 18 years of age and no older than 25 years of age on December 31, 2026 (i.e. born 2001 to 2008)
• Submit an original copy of a signed and stamped FISU Academic Eligibility Form (i.e. must include a stamp or seal of the institution) to WCL no later than the coaches’ technical meeting at the 2026 Guelph Open to confirm eligibility.

Click here to view the 2026 FISU World Combat Championships team selection criteria.