On 24th October 2025, International Judo Federation (IJF) President Mr Marius Vizer, and Mr Didier Budimbu Ntubwanga, Minister of Sports and Leisure of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, signed an agreement confirming that Kinshasa will host the 2026 World Judo Continental Team Championships for Peace.

The event will bring together the world’s best judoka for one of the most prestigious competitions on the international judo calendar in 2026.

This marks a momentous occasion for African judo, as it will be the first world judo championships held on the continent since Cairo, Egypt, in 2005. Hosting this global event represents a sporting triumph for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is also a testament to the growing strength and unity of African judo.

IJF President Mr Marius Vizer stated, “We are delighted to bring the World Judo Continental Team Championships for Peace to Kinshasa in 2026. This event will be a magnificent celebration of sport, friendship, unity and the values of judo. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has shown extraordinary commitment to developing judo and promoting youth and sports throughout the country. Hosting such a prestigious world event is a great success for the DRC and a milestone for the entire African continent.”

The 2026 World Judo Continental Team Championships for Peace will feature the world’s leading continental teams, competing for global glory. The competition is expected to attract athletes, officials and fans from all corners of the globe, creating a lasting legacy for the region’s sporting infrastructure and inspiring a new generation of African judoka.

Mr Didier Budimbu Ntubwanga, Minister of Sports and Leisure of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, commented, “The people of the DRC are honoured to welcome the world judo family to Kinshasa. This event will showcase our hospitality, culture and passion for sport. It is a great opportunity to inspire our youth and demonstrate that Africa can host world-class sporting events at the highest level.”

The IJF and the DRC Ministry of Sports and Leisure will now begin working in close co-operation with local authorities and the Congolese Judo Federation to ensure the success of the 2026 World Judo Continental Team Championships for Peace, an event that promises to be a sporting milestone and a celebration of African excellence.