By Adeel Akhter | SportsNaama

The global squash community is set to turn its attention to Canada as the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships will take place from July 20 to July 31 in the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The prestigious tournament will bring together the world’s finest Under-19 players for eleven days of elite competition, showcasing the future stars of international squash.

Hosted by Squash Canada in partnership with World Squash, the championship will be played at the Mark Sachvie Squash Centre at White Oaks Resort and Spa, along with matches at the modern Jack Aylott Centre at Ridley College. More than 200 junior athletes representing countries from every continent are expected to compete in both the individual and team championships.

The event marks a historic return of the World Junior Championships to Canadian soil for the first time in more than four decades. Canada last hosted the junior men’s championship in Calgary in 1984 and the inaugural junior women’s championship in Ottawa in 1981. Organizers believe the tournament will inspire a new generation of Canadian players while highlighting the country’s growing role in the international squash community.

The championship promises fierce competition, with traditional squash powerhouses including Egypt, England, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Canada, and the United States expected to challenge for top honours. A total of 40 national teams from 24 countries will participate in the team championships, while individual events will feature many of the world’s highest-ranked junior players.

For the host nation, the tournament represents an opportunity to build on recent international success. Canada earned a historic bronze medal in the junior women’s team event in 2024 and will be aiming to capitalize on home-court advantage against some of the sport’s strongest nations.

The World Junior Championships have long served as a launching pad for future professional champions. Numerous former winners have gone on to become World Champions, World No. 1 players and leading figures on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour. With squash preparing for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, this year’s championship carries added significance as young athletes compete for recognition on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Fans can expect eleven days of world-class action featuring exceptional athleticism, speed, endurance and technical excellence. As Canada welcomes the next generation of international squash talent, Niagara-on-the-Lake is ready to become the global capital of junior squash this July.

The 2026 World Squash Junior Championships are expected to be more than just a competition—they will celebrate youth, international friendship and the bright future of one of the world’s fastest-growing racquet sports.