Australia celebrate World Cup return: comeback triumph against Egypt. The next destination is Doha

KUWAIT CITY – A dream victory to achieve a major milestone: returning to the World Cup eight years after their last appearance (Asunción 2018). Australia claimed the final available place at Doha, coming from behind to defeat Egypt in the men’s final of the FIP World Cup Qualifiers Asia-Africa. In the opening match of the tie, the Egyptian pair Marzouk/Hossam defeated Brown/Ashenden 6-4 6-3. Australia with Bechard/Melisi then levelled the score in the second match, beating Wakim/Shokeir after a closely contested encounter that was decided only in the third-set tie-break (4-6 6-4 7-6). The decisive point, which sparked Australia’s celebrations, came courtesy of Benzal/Velockovic, who defeated Aboulkassem/El Garhy 7-6 7-5. Australia’s men’s team joins Indonesia and Egypt, who secured the final two available places in the women’s competition yesterday.

 

The countdown to the year’s premier team competition is almost over. The conclusion of the FIP World Cup Qualifiers Asia-Africa marks the final step on the road to Doha (Qatar), bringing the qualification campaign to a close. The journey began in Toronto between late July and early August, continued with stops in Asunción and Madrid, and has concluded in Kuwait. The FIP World Cup 2026 in Doha will get under way on 2 November, with the final scheduled for 7 November. All the action will unfold at the prestigious Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, home of the Qatar Major Premier Padel since 2022 and host of the most recent edition of the World Cup. A total of 32 national teams will compete for the world title, with 16 teams in both the men’s and women’s draws.