# FIP World Cup Qualifiers Get Underway in Madrid With Four Doha Spots on the Line

> Twenty-nine nations opened play in Madrid this week for a shot at the FIP World Cup in Doha, with Great Britain fielding full squads in both draws.

Published: 2026-09-23T07:39:42.590Z
Canonical: https://unstopadel.com/en/news/fip-world-cup-qualifiers-europe-2026-madrid-doha-stakes
Tags: fip-world-cup, padel-qualifiers, great-britain, madrid

The FIP World Cup Qualifiers - Europe got underway Monday at the Padel G24 club in Madrid, where national teams from 29 countries are chasing four places at this year's World Cup in Doha. Group matches run through Wednesday, with the knockout rounds opening Friday, September 25.

## What is at stake

Only four European berths are up for grabs this week: two in the men's draw and two in the women's. The World Cup itself is set for Doha, Qatar, from November 2 to 7, with the final two qualifying places decided separately at the Asia-Africa qualifiers in Kuwait, scheduled for October 26 to 30.

## Twenty-nine countries in the field

The draw spans the continent, from established padel nations like Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium to newer entrants such as Kosovo, Moldova and Azerbaijan. Teams have been split into groups for the opening rounds, with the top finishers advancing to Friday's knockout stage.

## Great Britain fields two full squads

Great Britain is competing in both the men's and women's events. The women's team is captained by Libby Fletcher and Iciar Montes and is headed by British No. 1 and world No. 91 Aimee Gibson, alongside Catherine Rose and Tia Norton. The men's squad, captained by John Leach and Agustin Silingo, is led by world No. 157 Christian Medina Murphy, with Louie Harris and Alex Loughlan also in the group.

## Why it matters

A Doha berth would be a significant marker for programs still building depth on the FIP circuit, and Madrid's group stage sets up a tense run to Friday's knockout matches, where the margin between a World Cup trip and an early flight home comes down to a handful of points.

## FAQ
### What is at stake at the FIP World Cup Qualifiers in Madrid?
Four places at the FIP World Cup in Doha are on the line this week in Madrid: two in the men's draw and two in the women's. The teams that top their groups and win their knockout matches by Friday punch their tickets.

### When and where is the FIP World Cup itself?
The World Cup takes place in Doha, Qatar, from November 2 to 7, 2026. Madrid supplies four of the qualifying spots, while the final two are decided at the Asia-Africa qualifiers in Kuwait from October 26 to 30.

### Who is on Great Britain's squads in Madrid?
The women's team is captained by Libby Fletcher and Iciar Montes and includes Aimee Gibson, Catherine Rose and Tia Norton. The men's team is captained by John Leach and Agustin Silingo and includes Christian Medina Murphy, Louie Harris and Alex Loughlan.

## Sources
- [FIP World Cup Qualifiers Europe. 'Road to Doha' makes a stop in Madrid: race for four World Cup places begins](https://www.padelfip.com/2026/09/fip-world-cup-qualifiers-europe-road-to-doha-makes-a-stop-in-madrid-race-for-four-world-cup-berths-begins/) - Padel FIP
- [FIP World Cup Qualifiers 2026: Preview, draw, schedule, GB squad & how to watch](https://www.ltapadel.org.uk/fan-zone/padel-event-calendar/fip-world-cup/news/qualifiers-preview-draw-schedule-gb-squad-how-to-watch/) - LTA Padel
- [FIP World Cup Qualifiers Asia-Africa: final spots for Doha at stake in Kuwait from 26 to 30 October](https://www.padelfip.com/2026/09/fip-world-cup-qualifiers-asia-africa-final-spots-for-doha-at-stake-in-kuwait-from-26-to-30-october/) - Padel FIP

---
https://unstopadel.com - padel news, checked against multiple sources.