The start of the season for World Curling will be marked by its World Congress, taking place next month in Gold Coast, Australia. This annual gathering will bring together the Member Associations —MAs— to discuss issues related to the sport, share experiences, and establish joint action plans.

This year’s edition carries the theme “Using the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games to raise your profile,” aiming to prepare MAs to capitalize on growth, exposure, and development opportunities stemming from the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The federation grows: new sponsor and new member

World Curling has confirmed the addition of the Curling Association Singapore as a provisional Member Association. This Asian country has utilized floor curling as a gateway to the traditional discipline, enabling its athletes to train and compete abroad due to the lack of local facilities. With this inclusion, the total number of Member Associations rises to 76.

World Curling President, Beau Welling, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Singapore as a provisional member. Curling has seen remarkable growth in Asia over recent years, and this addition reflects the sport’s popularity both in the region and worldwide.” Founded in 2001, the Curling Association Singapore currently counts 29 active players.

World Curling, together with USA Curling and ‘Curl Mesabi’, announced that U.S. Steel will be the title sponsor of the fourth edition of the Pan Continental Curling Championships, held from October 19 to 26, 2025, in Minnesota, United States. This tournament brings together men’s and women’s teams from the Americas and Pacific-Asia zones competing for qualification to the 2026 World Championships.

Curling will open the Milano Cortina 2026 program

James Beatt, Commercial Strategy Lead at World Curling, said: “Partnering with U.S. Steel as the title sponsor of this championship marks another step forward in the growth of curling across our Americas and Asia-Pacific zones.” Meanwhile, USA Curling CEO, Dean Gemmell, noted: “Their support not only elevates the championship but also strengthens the connection between curling and the industrial heritage of the Iron Range.”

U.S. Steel Senior Vice President, Raw Materials & Sustainable Resources, John Gordon, added: “We are proud to showcase the spirit, resilience, and hospitality of these communities on the global stage.”

The official schedule for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games has been confirmed, with curling as the only sport to start two days before the opening ceremony. It will also be the only sport contested on each of the 19 competition days. The current women’s champions are Canada, while the reigning men’s champions are China, as the countdown to the Olympic Games continues.