The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has recently announced the venues for several major World Coffee Championship events scheduled for the 2026 season. This strategic decision highlights the organization's commitment to expanding the global reach and impact of coffee culture. By selecting diverse and accessible locations, the SCA aims to attract a broader international audience and provide a platform for coffee professionals to showcase their exceptional skills. These championships are more than just competitions; they serve as pivotal gatherings that inspire innovation, foster community, and elevate the appreciation of specialty coffee worldwide. The upcoming events will bring together national champions, experts, and enthusiasts, further cementing the status of these global gatherings as cornerstones of the coffee industry calendar.

Brussels, Belgium, has been designated as the host city for three significant championships: the World Brewers Cup, the World Coffee Roasting Championship, and the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship. These events are slated to occur between June 25 and 27, 2026, as part of the SCA's annual European World of Coffee exhibition at the Brussels Expo. Meanwhile, Bangkok, Thailand, will welcome participants for the 2026 World Cup Tasters Championship. This particular competition will be held in conjunction with the World of Coffee Asia trade show, scheduled for May 7 to 9, 2026, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre. These selections underscore the SCA's vision to promote coffee excellence across different continents, acknowledging the unique contributions and growing interest in specialty coffee from various regions.

Beyond these newly announced venues, the SCA had previously revealed other key locations for its 2026 championship series. The highly anticipated World Barista Championship is set to captivate audiences in Panama City, Panama, from October 23 to 25, 2026, during the World of Coffee Panama event. Additionally, the World Latte Art Championship will unfold in San Diego, California, from April 10 to 12, 2026, as part of World of Coffee San Diego. While the lineup of major competitions is largely confirmed, the organization has yet to finalize the details for the Cezve/Ibrik Championship, an event that celebrates traditional coffee preparation methods. This comprehensive series of championships collectively reinforces the SCA's mission to engage a global audience, encouraging a deeper and more meaningful interaction with coffee in all its diverse forms.

The announcement of Brussels and Bangkok as hosts for key 2026 World Coffee Championships signifies a strategic expansion of the Specialty Coffee Association's international footprint. These events, alongside those in Panama City and San Diego, are designed to showcase top-tier talent and ignite a passion for coffee, further enriching the global coffee community and driving innovation within the industry.