The Road to Polo’s World Stage
England, France, Italy and Switzerland Battle for a Place at the 2027 FIP World Polo Championship
International polo takes centre stage in Chantilly, France, this week as four European nations compete for a coveted place at the 2027 FIP World Polo Championship.
The official Federation of International Polo calendar confirms that the Zone C World Championship Qualifier is taking place from September 23–27, bringing England, France, Italy and Switzerland together for one of the most important European international polo competitions of the year.
For followers of international polo on Al Badia, the tournament offers a fascinating contrast to traditional club polo. Players are not representing patrons or clubs here; they are competing for their countries.
England Returns to the World Championship Race
England travels to Chantilly with a four-player squad consisting of Matt Perry (5), Tommy Severn (5), Jack Hyde (4) and Arsalan Karim (0).
Their objective is straightforward: secure the single Zone C qualification position.
England last appeared at an FIP World Championship in 2017, finishing third behind champions Argentina and runners-up Chile.
That history adds further significance to the team’s 2026 campaign.
How the Championship Works
The FIP World Championship is contested at the 10–14 goal level, a format designed to allow a broad range of polo-playing nations to compete internationally.
Qualifier matches consist of four chukkas, with teams competing through a round-robin format before the decisive final determines which country progresses.
This format places particular importance on team balance.
Individual talent remains essential, but international polo also demands horse management, tactical discipline and the ability of four players to operate as a cohesive unit over a relatively short match.
These qualities are central to the sport regularly featured in Al Badia’s polo and equestrian stories.
A Global Qualification Battle
Europe represents only one part of the World Championship picture.
The United States has already secured the Zone A position after defeating Mexico 6–4 in Wellington, Florida, while defending champions Spain have an automatic place following their victory over the United States in the 2022 final.
Other qualifiers will determine representatives from South America, Asia and Oceania, and the zone covering Africa, Pakistan and India.
For England, France, Italy and Switzerland, however, attention is firmly fixed on Chantilly.
Four countries have arrived with the same ambition. Only one will leave France with the European Zone C ticket to polo’s world stage.
Follow Al Badia for more international polo, tournaments, players and equestrian sport.
