World Lacrosse has announced that Tokyo will be the host city for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship. Japan was earlier announced as the host country, but additional details have been finalized and the event will be held from July 24 through August 2 in Tokyo.
This will be the first world lacrosse championship hosted by Japan since 1997 when the U.S. women edged Australia to bring home the World Cup in the Edogawa ward of Tokyo.
The Oi Hockey Stadium will be used for most games in the 16-team championship, and Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground for medal matches and the semifinal round.
“We are thrilled to officially announce Tokyo as the host city for our upcoming women's championship,” said World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr in a press release. “As a dynamic global city renowned for its world-class facilities, exceptional hospitality and vibrant cultural heritage, Tokyo provides the perfect setting to showcase the pinnacle of international lacrosse.
“Japan has long been a stronghold of lacrosse in Asia, with a passionate and growing lacrosse community that has made remarkable contributions to the global development of our sport. We look forward to working with the city of Tokyo and the Japan Lacrosse Association to deliver truly unforgettable events."
““This tournament, held at the Oi Hockey Stadium – part of the legacy of Tokyo 2020 – and the historic Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, will mark the 40th anniversary of lacrosse in Japan,” said Japan Lacrosse Association President Yusuke Sasaki. “It is a milestone for lacrosse, which in Japan, originated in Tokyo. Under the banner of 'Lacrosse Makes Friends,' we look forward to fostering international friendships that transcend borders and generations through the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship. We are delighted to deepen international friendship with lacrosse fans that will last for 50 or even 100 years to come.”
“I am thrilled to welcome the 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship to Tokyo,” said Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. “This international competition will be held at the Oi Hockey Stadium, a legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, with the participation of athletes from 16 countries and regions around the world. Lacrosse has been approved as an additional sport on the program for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. I highly anticipate that even more enthusiasm for this sport will be generated from Tokyo through this championship. Let’s continue to use the power of sports to bring vibrancy to Japan and the world.”
The U.S. women have dominated international field competition since the first formal world championship was held in 1982. The U.S. has won nine of the previous 11 World Lacrosse championships held, including four straight from 2009 through 2022.
The 2026 Women’s Championship will mark the first in WL’s new championship format, with 16 teams competing based on results from continental qualifiers. All 16 teams must earn their place in the championship at a qualifying event, with 11 spots already secured. The U.S., led by new head coach Acacia Walker-Weinstine, will compete to earn its spot during the Pan-American Lacrosse Association continental qualifier this June in Florida.
Japan was also awarded hosting rights for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship, and the JLA is working toward hosting that event in Tokyo is well, with details to be announced once they are finalized.
