The IFSC and the Italian Climbing Federaton (FASI) are pleased to announce that the 35th edition of the IFSC Youth World Championshipswill take place in Arco, Italy, from 18 to 25 July 2026. Set against the backdrop of the Italian Alps, the event will once again unfold at Arco’s iconic Climbing Stadium, now fully renovated and newly designated as the National Training Centre for the Italian national climbing team.

A total of three disciplines — Boulder, Lead, and Speed — will be contested by athletes in two age categories, Under 17 and Under 19.

Arco is no stranger to hosting international climbing at the highest level. The historic venue has welcomed the Climbing community for over a decade, including the inaugural IFSC Para Climbing World Championships in 2011, six Climbing World Cupand three Para Climbing World Cup events between 2012 and 2024, and two previous editions of the Youth World Championships in 2015 and 2019.

Over the years, the IFSC Youth World Championships has proven to be a key launchpad for future champions. The competition has seen early career triumphs from some of the sport’s biggest names, including two-time Olympic Champion Janja Garnbret of Slovenia, Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist Toby Roberts of Great Britain, and Speed world record holders Aleksandra Miroslaw of Poland and Samuel Watson of the USA.

The 2025 edition of the IFSC Youth World Championships recently concluded in Helsinki, Finland, and excitement is already building for another inspiring chapter in Arco next year. A handover ceremony was held in Helsinki to mark the occasion, with IFSC Vice President Kobinata Toru formally passing the IFSC flag from Enni Bertling, representing the Finnish Local Organising Committee, to Davide Battistella, President of FASI.