The question may seem audacious, almost provocative. Yet, in light of the known elements as we approach the World Championships 2026It deserves to be asked: Are the United Arab Emirates establishing themselves permanently among the world's top padel nations?

To say that they are already the third largest nation in the world would probably be an understatement. presumptuousBut to claim that they will a credible and serious contender for the bronze medal today appears as obvious.

A strong precedent: a 5th place world ranking in 2024

During 2024 World Padel Championships, held in Qatar, the selection of United Arab Emirates had already made a strong impression. Placed in a challenging group, the team had reached the quarter-finals, to finally finish in 5th place worldwide.

A major result for a nation that was still absent from the very top level a few years ago, and especially a ranking obtained against countries that have historically been better structured.

United Arab Emirates: from dead last to 5th world nation

This performance already sent a strong signal: the Emirates were no longer just an exotic outsider, but a a selection capable of competing on a global scale.

A further strengthened squad for 2026

Two years later, the project goes even further. In 2026, the Emirati team will rely on six Spanish playersall of whom come from the international professional circuit, including three players from the world's top 100A density level rarely seen outside of Spain and Argentina.

The anticipated staff size is as follows:

  • Francis Jury – 226th in the world, originally from El Coronil
  • Sergio Icardo – 175th in the world, originally from Valencia
  • Arnau Ayats – 109th in the world, originally from Vic
  • Ignacio Vilariño – 91st in the world, originally from Vigo
  • Enri Goenaga – 60th in the world, originally from Palma de Mallorca
  • Inigo Jofre – 32nd in the world, originally from Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Is three fully-fledged Spanish pairs, with a level of consistency rarely seen internationally. Local players, trained in the Emirates, should logically play a key role in substitutes, as the gap in ranking and experience remains significant.

The United Arab Emirates is also investing in the future of its young people. Last October, Willy Lahoz, one of the leading figures in world padel, joined the UAE Padel Association.

Willy Lahoz appointed Head Coach of the United Arab Emirates national padel teams

A squad depth that changes everything

In a competition between nations, depth is often crucial. By fielding six players capable of holding their own against the majority of the world's top teamsThe United Arab Emirates are giving themselves a clear structural advantage.

Few countries, apart from Spain and Argentina, can currently boast:

  • a top 40 player,
  • two players in the top 100,
  • and a third pair still competitive beyond the top 200.

On paper, this squad allows them to approach each match with real tactical options, regardless of the opposition.

A hotly contested third place in the world rankings

To claim that the Emirates are already the third largest nation in the world would be an exaggeration. But to place them among the main contenders for this position It is now simply a matter of observation.

The battle for the podium promises to be intense, with well-established teams:

  • France,
  • Italy,
  • Portugal,
  • Brazil.

In this context, the United Arab Emirates no longer appears as a surprise outsider, but as a credible and confident candidate for the podiumcapable of beating any of these nations in a short format.

A dynamic that raises questions as much as it impresses.

This rise in power obviously raises questions about the philosophy of international competitions, but from a strictly sporting point of view, The observation is clear. :
The United Arab Emirates have built a team capable of aiming for much more than just a quarter-final.

While not yet the third-ranked nation in the world, they have become a permanent fixture in the discussionAnd in 2026, ignoring their bid for a podium finish would be a strategic mistake.

The bronze medal has never seemed so wide open. And the Emirates fully intend to be among them.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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