In June and July 2026, Georgia is set to host the Men’s Junior World Championship, marking the tournament’s first return to the nation since 2009. The upcoming 2026 event will introduce an enlarged format, featuring 16 international teams vying for the championship.
Games will take place in two distinct cities: Tbilisi, the nation's capital, and Kutaisi, Georgia's second-biggest urban center. This arrangement will allow spectators to enjoy elite international rugby alongside diverse travel and cultural exploration throughout the country.
Tournament Locations
Throughout the competition, three stadiums are designated to host the various fixtures:
- Avchala Rugby Stadium– Tbilisi
- Mikheil Meskhi Stadium– Tbilisi
- Aia Arena– Kutaisi
For the initial four match days, Avchala Rugby Stadium and Aia Arena will serve as the primary hosts. However, on the fifth match day (July 17–18), contests will be distributed across all three venues, incorporating Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi.
Fans are encouraged by organizers to diligently verify match locations, given that participating teams might be moved to different venues or cities between the initial rounds and the championship's culminating stages.
This enlarged 16-team format reflects a burgeoning worldwide interest in youth rugby and presents Georgia with a significant chance to showcase its sports facilities, hospitality industry, and cultural highlights to an international audience.