Floorball New Zealand to Host Men’s World Floorball Championships 2026 AOFC Qualification in Wellington
He pānui pāpāho | News release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Floorball New Zealand is proud to announce that the Men’s World Floorball Championships 2026 AOFC (Asia Oceania Floorball Confederation) Qualification will be hosted in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington from 13 to 19 January 2026.
The week-long tournament will see ten teams from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong (China), Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Solomon Islands compete for a place at the Men’s World Floorball Championships 2026 in Finland.
Only four teams will qualify from the Asia-Oceania region.
The event will take place at the Ākau Tangi Sports Centre which has capacity for up to 2,000 spectators.
Across seven days, fans can enjoy a packed schedule of four games per day, showcasing some of the best floorball talent in the region.
This marks the first international floorball tournament hosted in New Zealand since 2022, when Wellington staged the Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships AOFC event.
Floorball New Zealand President Andre Ballantyne says the upcoming tournament is an exciting opportunity for both the sport and the community.
“Hosting the AOFC Qualifications is a milestone for floorball in New Zealand. It’s a chance to put our athletes on the international stage at home, inspire young players, and showcase the fast-paced, high-energy nature of the sport to new audiences.”
New Zealand’s men’s team has been in preparation since May 2025 and will take to the court against some of the strongest teams in the Asia-Oceania region.
With ten international teams, officials, and supporters travelling to Wellington, the event is expected to bring a boost to local tourism and hospitality businesses.
The week-long competition will attract both local and international spectators, creating an economic ripple effect for Wellington and neighbouring cities.
Floorball New Zealand is also calling for local volunteers to support the delivery of the tournament. Volunteer opportunities will be announced in the coming week.
The Asia-Oceania Floorball Confederation (AOFC) oversees the qualification process, ensuring the tournament meets international standards and contributes to the growth of floorball across the region.
“The AOFC Qualifications are a crucial stepping stone to the World Floorball Championships. We’re proud that New Zealand is trusted to host such a significant event and to play a role in raising the profile of the sport in our region,” says Ballantyne.
Floorball New Zealand is currently seeking sponsors to partner in delivering the event.
Ticketing details will be released soon.
Fans can stay updated via the official page and social media channels.
