Vila Real to host the 2026 FISU World University Championship Orienteering

The city of Vila Real hosted the press conference to present the World University Orienteering Championships, which will take place between July 28 and August 1, 2026.

The event, organized by FADU Portugal in partnership with the Municipality of Vila Real, the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), the Academic Association of UTAD (AAUTAD), and the Portuguese Orienteering Federation (FPO), promises to bring a unique sporting and cultural experience to the city of Trás-os-Montes, in what will be the first world university competition held in Vila Real.

The conference was attended by Ricardo Nora, President of FADU, Alexandre Favaios, Mayor of Vila Real, Emídio Gomes, Rector of UTAD, Fernando Gonçalves, President of AAUTAD, and Rui Mora, President of the Portuguese Orienteering Federation.

Ricardo Nora highlighted “the pride of bringing an event of this size to the interior of the country, reinforcing the capacity of Portuguese higher education institutions to host major international competitions.” Alexandre Favaios emphasized “the importance of this event for the promotion of tourism and sports in Vila Real,” stating that “the city is prepared to welcome athletes and delegations from around the world with the hospitality that characterizes us.”

With around 500 people expected to participate, including athletes, technical teams, volunteers, and organizers, the event will be divided into two distinct phases: an urban phase, taking place in the historic center of Vila Real, and a phase in the heart of nature, in the imposing Serra do Alvão, offering an excellent landscape for orienteering.

Emídio Gomes reinforced “UTAD’s commitment to university sports and regional development,” while Fernando Gonçalves emphasized “the unique opportunity to involve the academic community in this international project.” Finally, Rui Mora highlighted “the growth of the sport in Portugal and the positive impact that this event will have on its promotion among young people.”

The 2026 World University Orienteering Championships are thus another milestone in the international university sports calendar and an affirmation of Portugal’s organizational capacity, with Vila Real taking a prominent role on the map of major global academic competitions.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)