In 2026, London will play host to over 20 countries and 300 high-performance student-athletes, all rowing for international glory, at the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championships.
U SPORTS made the announcement Monday, in partnership with Rowing Canada Aviron, Western University and Tourism London. The biennial event, one of several university championships organized by FISU, the international university sports federation, will be held at Fanshawe Lake.
“Hosting the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championship is both an exciting step forward for international sport in Canada as well as an honour for U SPORTS,” said Pierre Arsenault, U SPORTS Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful for the strong leadership and commitment provided by Western University, Tourism London and Rowing Canada Aviron in bringing this exciting event to Canada. With FISU’s trust in the championship organizing committee, we relish the opportunity to stage an event of this calibre on the world stage and look forward to bringing more FISU events to Canada in concert with our sport, membership and community partners.”
This marks the fourth World University Championship to be hosted by Canada. The previous world university championships held in Canada include the world university championships in cross country (2010) wrestling (2002) and judo (1996).
“We are so excited to be hosting the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championships,” said Zanth Jarvis, Director of Sport Tourism with Tourism London. “After years of pandemic postponements and cancellations, we look forward to welcoming the world to London and showcasing what makes our community such a strong sport hosting destination.”
A hub for rowing across the nation, London was home to Rowing Canada’s National Training Centre and its women’s national team at Fanshawe Lake for over 30 years. London was originally awarded 2022 FISU World University Rowing Championship, however the event was cancelled due to rescheduling related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Western Sports & Recreation is excited to bring FISU to London, Ontario and Western University, in the summer of 2026. Western has a beautiful rowing facility located at Fanshawe lake, and our Mustangs Rowing program has produced numerous international champions,” said Christine Stapleton, Director, Sports & Recreation, Western University. “We look forward to welcoming the local and international community to this world-class rowing competition, and partnering with FISU, U SPORTS and Tourism London on this incredible event.”
On the international stage, Canada has won 40 medals in FISU rowing competition – 12 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze. Of those, 21 came at world university championships, with the other 19 coming at summer Universiades/World University Games, where rowing has been contested on six occasions since 1987. In its last appearance against world competition, Canada secured five podium finishes at the 2024 FISU World University Championship in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
"Hosting the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championship on Canadian soil is a remarkable opportunity for our athletes to compete at home and showcase their talents to the world,” said Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Director of Partnerships and Sport Development and Interim Chief Operating Officer. “This event not only allows the athletes to compete in front of a Canadian crowd but will also inspire the next generation of rowers to pursue the sport. We look forward to welcoming the world to London and celebrating the spirit of international competition on Lake Fanshawe."
About U SPORTS
U SPORTS is the national brand for university sports in Canada. Every year, over 15,500 student-athletes and 700 coaches vie for 21 national championships in 12 different sports. U SPORTS also provides high performance international opportunities at FISU Winter and Summer World University Games, World University Championships, University World Cups and various educational initiatives.
U SPORTS works in collaboration with 58 members and four conferences as well as the Canadian sport system and Corporate Canada on the growth and delivery of university sport to student-athletes across the country.
About Tourism London
Tourism London, the city’s destination marketing organization since 1996, is a trailblazer in developing real experiences, promoting its vibrant and diverse visitor destination and attracting and hosting people with warm, genuine hospitality. We enhance the reputation of our city and grow the resilience of our sustainable tourism ecosystem by driving tourism visits and spending, collaborating with industry partners and enriching our community.
About Western Mustangs
The Western Mustangs create communities of belonging where all Mustangs thrive; supporting lifelong connections with Mustangs alumni and the community through sport. Western Sports & Recreation offers a variety of programming to ensure our students stay active and involved while studying at Western. Our 46 varsity teams and clubs focus on diversity, inclusion, spirit, and a winning tradition. We offer a transformational student athlete experience, supporting students who are balancing academics with the sport(s) they love.
About Rowing Canada Aviron
Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is a non-profit organization recognized by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national governing body for rowing in Canada. RCA is a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and the Fédération internationale des sociétés d’aviron (FISA), the international federation for rowing.
RCA strives to inspire Canadians through the sport of rowing, promote physical and mental wellbeing, foster safe, diverse, and vibrant communities across Canada, and create opportunities and pathways for Canadians to be the best they can be.
