Men’s Day 4: Spain-Portugal and Argentina-Italy set for the semi-finals. Coello: “The emotion here is unparalleled”. Alfonso: “I feel like a superhero here”

Spain and Argentina cruise through the quarter-finals, beating Brazil and Germany respectively. Portugal defeat the Netherlands, while Italy and Sweden produce a thrilling contest. Gutierrez: “Who would be favourites in a final against Argentina? It depends on the day and the match-ups”. Gaby Reca: “This group has extraordinary energy; our job is to support them”

 

DOHA – Argentina, Spain, Portugal and Italy: these are the four teams that will battle for a place in the final of the FIP World Cup 2026 on Friday at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha. On Thursday, the defending world champions secured a convincing win over Germany, while Spain did the same against Brazil. Portugal also progressed at the expense of the Netherlands, with Italy beating Sweden.

 

A UNITED TEAM Two matches and just over an hour and a half of play made for a smooth day for Spain. Against Brazil, the team booked their place in the semi-finals thanks to wins for Coki Nieto and Jon Sanz (6-2 6-2 against Fernandez/De Avila Simonato) and Javi Leal and Arturo Coello (6-2 6-1 against Freitas/Correa). Spain will face Portugal on Friday in the men’s semi-finals, scheduled to start at 6 pm local time (4 pm CET). So far, it has been a week of great harmony, both on and off the court, for Juanjo Gutierrez and his team. But the emotion is inevitably building as the tournament enters its final stages.

 

“As the days go by, you become increasingly aware of what this competition means”, Arturo Coello admitted. “There is a strong emotional component, especially when you reach the final stages. Playing for your country brings more intense emotions, and learning to manage the pressure is not easy. Even today, in the gym, I noticed different faces, different looks, and much more specific preparation. I think, though, that the team is maintaining a very good level of work and great understanding. Me, a leader? There are players much better suited to that role, such as Navarro or Lebron. I just want to make my contribution”. Javi Leal also reflected on the unity within the group: “I’ve always found it a little difficult to be part of a team, but this week all the players have brought out a side of me I didn’t know I had. We’re building a very close-knit group”.

 

QUALITY ON COURT Juanjo Gutierrez has also been impressed by the standard of the teams competing at the FIP World Cup. “Many federations are investing in preparation and building a strong base of players, with a level that allows them to compete at a high standard in international tournaments”, the Spanish team captain observed. Spain and Argentina still enjoy an advantage thanks to their greater experience, but the picture is set to change: “I’m convinced that within two generations we’ll see different results”. As for a possible final against Argentina, Gutierrez does not see a clear favourite. “A lot will depend on the match-ups and the players’ condition on the day. They all know each other very well, and in padel, moods and the form you bring into a match have a considerable impact. The details will make the difference”.

 

ARGENTINA Argentina also cruised through, beating Germany 3-0. The Germans, however, had reason to celebrate a historic achievement: reaching the quarter-finals for the first time and securing a place among the world’s top eight national teams. The tie was made even more special by the on-court meeting between Gaby Reca, captain of the Albiceleste, and his son Agustin, who was representing Germany. Agustin and Matthias Wunner were beaten 6-1 6-1 by Fede Chingotto and Gonza Alfonso. At the end of the match, father and son exchanged a quick but affectionate high-five, a small gesture that said more than the result. Argentina’s third point came from Leo Augsburger and Martin Di Nenno (6-0 6-4 against Lindmeyer/Fitzon), followed by Franco Stupaczuk and Maxi Arce (6-3 6-0 against Boehnke/Merten).

 

 

“The great thing about this group is that I don’t want to hold the players back, because they have extraordinary energy. Together with Rodri Ovide and Juan Restivo, I simply try to help them. Spending every week with them makes us feel alive. Our job is to do our best to support them”, Reca said after the match. As with Leal, the emotions of a first World Cup also stood out in Alfonso’s words: “When I got the call, I felt almost like a superhero. It was as if something inside me had emerged, something I didn’t know was there. I’ve grown a lot in my attitude and in my desire to give everything. It’s a feeling that’s hard to find, and one that only wearing this shirt can give you”. Arce shared the same sentiment: “This is an extraordinary group of people. They push you to give that little bit extra, to fight and to throw yourself at every ball. For us, making our debut, there’s an even greater desire to do well and to live up to these champions, who have already won this title”.

 

PORTUGAL THROUGH IN STYLE, ITALY AND SWEDEN PUT ON A SHOW In the bottom half of the draw, Portugal also confirmed their place among the world’s top four, beating the Netherlands 2-0. The Dutch had been one of the surprises of the tournament. Miguel and Nuno Deus led the way with a 6-2 6-1 win over Richters/Roper, while Peu Araujo and Pedro Graça secured the decisive point with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Van Opstal/Prins, setting up a semi-final against Spain.

 

 

Italy-Sweden, the most closely contested quarter-final of the day, also drew a full house, with an enthusiastic crowd filling Court 5. The tie began with a comeback win for Flavio Abbate and Alvaro Montiel. After losing the first set on a tie-break against Olsson/Rutgersson, they found their rhythm to take the next two sets 6-3 6-2 in a match lasting almost two hours. There was another 1 hour and 45 minutes of high-quality padel in the match between Aris Patiniotis and Giulio Graziotti, who also had to come from behind after losing the first set 6-2 to Slaryd/Axelsson. The Italian pair found a way to turn the match around, first levelling the score with a 6-2 set and then sealing the win with a 6-4. Argentina, the defending world champions, now stand between Italy and a place in the final.

 

 

“Another double semi-final appearance: a fine, well-deserved and hugely important achievement that confirms the quality of our work and that of the Federation, which provides excellent support for me, my staff and, above all, the players”, said Italy captain Marcela Ferrari. She will also celebrate a semi-final place with the women’s team, who will face Argentina as well. “Today’s matches show that a World Cup is always a unique experience, where anything can happen. But I have two extraordinary teams who were determined to reach this goal. And now? We’ll take to the court against Argentina and see what we can do”.

 

QUARTER-FINALS – 1st-8th PLACE

Argentina-Germany 3-0

Italy-Sweden 2-0*

Spain-Brazil 2-0*

Portugal-Netherlands 2-0*

 

*As provided for in the regulations, the third match is not played, by agreement between the two teams, when its outcome has no bearing on qualification.

 

SEMI-FINALS – 1st-4th PLACE

Argentina-Italy

Spain-Portugal

 

SEMI-FINALS – 5th-8th PLACE

Brazil-Netherlands

Germany-Sweden