Excitement is starting to be felt in Argentina, where the river and passion will come together to write a historic chapter. In October 2026, the city of Gualeguaychú, in Entre Ríos, will host the Canoe Marathon World Championship of the ICF, an event that will not only bring together the best paddlers on the planet but will also mark the first time this event takes place in South American territory. An event that transcends the sporting dimension to become a cultural, social, and human bridge connecting the world to the heart of Argentina’s littoral region.

The choice of this riverside city is no coincidence. Gualeguaychú, with its privileged geography and proximity to Uruguay, reflects the warmth and tradition that characterize the host country. Argentina, land of champions and water stories, keeps its essence alive through young athletes like Pedro Agustín Ratto, the recent under-23 world runner-up in kayak, who represent the continuity of a passion that grows with each generation. The 2026 World Championship will be accompanied by the Pan-American Championship and the Masters World Championship, establishing the region as a new epicenter of global canoeing.

A historic milestone for canoeing

The confirmation of Gualeguaychú as host has been received with enthusiasm by the international community. For Ruud Heijselaar, president of the Canoe Marathon Committee of the ICF, this appointment marks a before and after: “It will be the first time the best athletes in the world compete in South America and the first time since 2019 that the event leaves Europe.” His words reflect not only the magnitude of the designation but also the commitment to taking the sport to new horizons.

This step responds to the federation’s vision to globalize canoeing, moving its top event to different continents every four years. On this occasion, the focus is on South America, where canoeing has deep roots and a passionate community. For local fans, the opportunity to see the best marathon paddlers in the world compete in Argentine waters will be a dream come true.

Argentine pride and regional anticipation

The feeling is even stronger within the Argentine Canoe Federation. Its president, Mauricio Caffa, received the ICF flag at the closing of the Hungary World Championship and did not hide his excitement: “This is the most important event we have ever had. For South America, it is a first opportunity, and we want everyone to know our rivers and our way of living the marathon.” His words reflect both pride and responsibility: showing the best of a country that breathes sport and hospitality.

Caffa, who once also competed as a marathon paddler, lives this moment as a personal dream fulfilled. But beyond the individual, his vision is clear: to make the World Championship an unforgettable experience for athletes, delegations, and the audience arriving from all over the world. Aware of the distances and logistical challenges, he assured that Argentina will do everything possible so that those traveling to Gualeguaychú return with the lasting memory of a championship experienced with the warmth that distinguishes the region.