A total of 271 athletes from 43 federations (337 starts) will compete in Tangier, underlining the global reach and competitive depth of shooting sport. As the first World Cup of the year, the event sets the tone for the 2026 season, offering athletes an early opportunity to test their form on the international stage.
Strong start in Morocco
The competition is hosted by the Royal Moroccan Shooting Sport Federation, led by Abdeladim Lhafi, with the support of the Organising Committee headed by Abdelkarim Fettah and Jalal El Fassi.
During the opening ceremony, Abdeladim Lhafi delivered a speech in which he expressed his gratitude to the ISSF for the trust placed in Morocco to host this important international competition, highlighting the significance of the event for the development of shooting sport in the country and the region.
Local authorities, countries ambassadors, Director of Sports, Ministry of National Education, athletes and officials attended the ceremony.
The event also reflects the continued development of shooting sport across the continent, supported by the African Shooting Confederation, under the leadership of Hazem Hosny Ahmed.
A season of opportunity
Welcoming participants to the event, ISSF Secretary General Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo highlighted the significance of starting the season in a location that reflects both tradition and growth within the sport.
He underlined the importance of unity across the global shooting sport community, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation between the ISSF, Continental Confederations and Member Federations.
Shooting sport continues to hold a key place within the Olympic Movement, with all 15 disciplines confirmed for Los Angeles 2028, while athletes are playing an increasingly central role in shaping the future of the sport.
At the same time, the ISSF remains committed to innovation, development and the promotion of its core values—integrity, fairness and excellence—across all levels of competition.
Looking ahead
More than just the opening event of the season, the ISSF Shotgun World Cup Tangier 2026 is a moment to bring the international shooting sport community together and set the direction for the year ahead.
With strong participation, high-level competition and a clear focus on the future, Tangier marks the beginning of another exciting chapter in the ISSF calendar.
