The Pinnacle of Coffee Craft: Announcing New 2026 Championship Venues

Global Expansion: New Hosts for World Coffee Championships

The 2026 World Coffee Championships calendar is rapidly taking shape with the recent disclosure of host cities for four more prestigious events. Building on earlier announcements that placed the World Barista Championship in Panama and the World Latte Art Championship in San Diego, the Specialty Coffee Association continues to broaden the geographical footprint of these renowned competitions.

Asian Leg: Thailand to Host Cup Tasters

In a significant move for the Asian coffee scene, Bangkok, Thailand, has been selected as the host city for the World Cup Tasters Championship in May 2026. This event will challenge participants' sensory skills, as they strive to identify the odd cup out in triangulated sets of coffee. Thailand's vibrant coffee culture and growing reputation as a hub for specialty coffee make it an ideal location for this precise and exciting competition.

European Hub: Brussels Welcomes Multiple Disciplines

June 2026 will see Brussels, Belgium, transformed into a central stage for the European leg of the championships, hosting three distinct and highly anticipated events. The World Brewers Cup, which celebrates the art of manual coffee brewing; the World Coffee Roasting Championship, testing the skill and precision of roasters; and the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, combining coffee and mixology, will all convene in the Belgian capital. This multi-event setup underscores Brussels' strategic importance and its burgeoning presence in the global coffee landscape.

Remaining Anticipation: The Last Championship Location

With most of the major competitions now assigned venues, only one championship remains to be announced: the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship. Coffee aficionados and professionals worldwide eagerly await the reveal of this final location, which will complete the comprehensive schedule for the 2026 World Coffee Championships.

Full Roster: The 2026 World Coffee Championships Calendar So Far

The updated schedule for the 2026 World Coffee Championships offers a clear roadmap for participants and spectators alike, showcasing a diverse array of events across different continents. The season will kick off with the World Latte Art Championship in San Diego, California, from April 10–12. Following this, the World Cup Tasters Championship will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 7–9. June 25–27 will mark a busy period in Brussels, Belgium, with the World Brewers Cup, World Coffee Roasting Championship, and World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship all converging. The grand finale, the World Barista Championship, is set for October 23–25 in Panama City, Panama. These events promise to deliver unparalleled displays of coffee expertise and innovation.