21 May 2026
European Championships team numbers increased
World Curling have today confirmed the decision to increase the number of teams competing in the new version of the European Championships beginning in the 2026–2027 season.
Originally, the championships were set to feature ten men’s and ten women’s teams. However, following consultations with our Member Associations that number has now been increased to 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams.
Teams will be split into two groups based on the Member Association Ranking at the end of the previous season and will play five round-robin games each.
In order to facilitate this increase, the 2026 edition of the championships will feature the following teams:
- Top eight from the 2025 European Championships A-Division
- Top two from the 2025 European Championships B-Division
- Top two remaining European Member Association from the World Rankings who have not already qualified
From 2027 onwards, the top 12 European Member Associations from the previous season’s world ladder (World Championship and World Championship Qualifier) will qualify.
However, if the event host is not in the top 12 Member Associations but playing in the World Championship Qualifier (as a minimum requirement for level of play), they will receive a host spot and only the top 11 European Member Associations from the previous season’s world ladder would qualify.
The championship will remain eight ends throughout, and at the end of the Round Robin teams will be ranked within their group. The top two from each group will advance to the Semi-Final Games with A1 playing B2 and B1 playing A2.
The winners will then play in the Gold Medal Game while the losers will play in the Bronze Medal Game.
Information on the competing teams for the 2026 championships will be announced once the official entry period has closed.
The Le Gruyère AOP European Curling Championships 2026 will take place in Ostrava, Czech Republic from 27 October to 1 November 2026.
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