From stars Ustero and Calvo to gems Vilchez and Gonzalez, the future of Padel is already here: the NextGen takes centre stage in Doha

• The World Championships in Qatar will showcase an increasingly international generation of young stars. Alongside the Spanish players already in the world’s top 10 are a 16-year-old Argentine gold medallist at the South American Games and NextGen talents from Paraguay, Brazil and Chile.

 

• France, Sweden and Portugal are also bringing numerous players under 20. Their strong presence confirms the growth of youth Padel and represents a significant milestone in the work carried out by the FIP and national federations to develop the next generation of talent.

 

The future of Padel is already here. And at the FIP World Cup in Doha, taking place from 2 to 7 November at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, it will immediately take centre stage. Alongside the champions who have shaped the recent history of the sport, Qatar will welcome a generation of under-20 players, a remarkable achievement reflecting the commitment of the FIP and national federations to developing youth Padel. Increasingly international and ready to take on the biggest challenges, the NextGen will feature prominently at a World Cup that represents a further step on the path to the top for some, while offering others the chance to test themselves against the elite and accelerate their development.

 

SPANISH STARS AND A RISING EUROPE Spain offers two of the clearest examples of this evolution. Andrea Ustero, born in 2007, and Martina Calvo, born in 2008, have already established themselves among the world’s leading players, breaking into the FIP Ranking top 10 while still teenagers after remarkable rises. At just 19, Ustero, the world No. 7, has won six Premier Padel Tour titles, including the Paris Major in early September. Calvo’s rise has been just as rapid: currently No. 8, she became the youngest-ever winner of a Premier Padel tournament this year by claiming the London P1, breaking Ustero’s previous record. After winning last year’s FIP Euro Padel Cup together — Ustero’s second European title, following her 2024 triumph — both have also become invaluable additions to an exceptional Spanish national team.

 

Beyond Spain’s young stars, other European teams will also bring players ready to make their mark among the sport’s elite. Portugal, alongside an experienced squad featuring several internationally established players, will field 18-year-old talent Salvador Simões, as well as Maria Francisca Santos, born in 2009, and Andrea Achando, born in 2011. They arrive in Doha after winning silver at the 2025 FIP Junior World Cup. France’s NextGen will be led by Yoan Boronad and Timeo Fonteny, both born in 2007, and 18-year-old Jeremy Robert, all of whom won bronze at last year’s FIP Junior World Cup. Sweden will count on 18-year-olds Juni Sjöland, Silje Kjaergaard and Zoe Andersson, who helped the team secure bronze at last June’s FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup. Other young players called up include British player Chloe Delamare, born in 2010, and Germany’s Jonas Trümpler (2009) and Milla Blaschke (2007).

 

AMERICA’S NEXT GENERATION ON THE RISE The new generation is brimming with energy across the Americas, too. Argentina’s women, silver medallists at the previous edition two years ago, will have 16-year-old Victoria Vilchez on their side, fresh from winning a historic gold medal at last September’s South American Games. From Argentina’s rising star to Brazil’s young talents: Julia Giusti Gomes, born in 2009 and already set for her second World Cup, returns to the women’s squad alongside 15-year-old Martina Hossen and Ana Julia Acunha, Giusti’s teammate in junior competitions. In the men’s team, 19-year-old Diogo Rodrigues stands out in a squad that can also draw on Lucas Bergamini’s international experience.

 

Victoria Vilchez

 

Mexico will also arrive in Doha with a talent already familiar with high-level competition. Born in 2007, Diego Arredondo is set to make his second appearance at the FIP World Cup, having already gained experience on both the CUPRA FIP Tour and the Premier Padel Tour. Chile will be represented by Amalia Bentjerodt (2008) and Aurora Candia (2010), both inside the top 10 of the FIP Promises Ranking Americas. Also among the youngest players in Doha is 13-year-old Ornella Beltramino of the US women’s team, the youngest athlete selected for the event.

 

Paraguay provides one of the most striking examples of the depth of youth Padel. Almost half of the 16 players selected across the men’s and women’s teams are under 20, highlighting the growth of a national programme that is combining international ambitions with a new generation of talent. Names to watch include Facundo Dehnike (2008) and Mariano Gonzalez (2007), both making their second World Cup appearance and already regulars on the major international circuits. Gonzalez, in particular, took a significant step forward in 2026, reaching a career-high No. 48 in the FIP world ranking. They will be joined in the men’s team by 2008-born Pierre Petit, while the women’s squad features Olga Bareiro, Camila Miranda, Fatima Kudo and Jaidy Perez, all aged between 16 and 19. For this new global generation, Doha will offer not only the chance to compete against the best in world Padel, but also to show that the sport’s future is already taking shape on its most prestigious courts.