The 2026 World Billiards Championship is underway in Marrakech, drawing close to 300 players from 18 countries. The event, officially listed as the IEPF World Championships on the EPA calendar, runs from 17 to 27 September 2026 at the Aqua Mirage Resort. It's a rare chance for Morocco to host a global billiards competition, according to the EPA Calendar and Morocco World News.
The Moroccan men's team opened with a commanding 18-3 win over South Africa, then lost a close match to Australia 11-10. They bounced back with 15-6 victories against both La Réunion and India. The women's team also started well, beating Senegal 12-3 and Ireland 9-6. In the over-50s division, Morocco defeated South Africa 10-5 before falling to France 11-4.
"The 2026 championship in Marrakech features 24 categories, including team, singles, doubles, and masters disciplines, making it one of the most comprehensive events in the sport's calendar."
- Morocco World News
This year's championship covers 24 categories, with team, singles, doubles, and masters competitions. Organisers have highlighted the international scale of the event and the effort put into logistics to accommodate all delegations and officials in Marrakech. Jawad Thabet, a member of the organising committee, said the tournament is both a sporting contest and a chance for Morocco to show it can host events that meet international standards. Morocco World News also noted the organisers' focus on meeting global expectations.
National team coach Yassir El Amrani said the squad is determined to represent Morocco to the last rack, stressing the importance of playing at home against top international teams. "Our goal is to win and go as far as possible," he said, pointing to the experience gained from facing strong opponents and the opportunity to raise the profile of Moroccan billiards.
"The EPA calendar confirms the IEPF World Championships' official international status, with the event included well in advance of its start. Organisers and officials have highlighted Marrakech as a showcase for Morocco's ability to host world-class sporting events, aiming to set a new benchmark for cue sports in the region."
- EPA Calendar
While much of the attention is on Morocco's teams, the championship brings together a wide range of players and playing styles, reflecting the sport's global reach. This follows a trend seen in other recent tournaments, such as Vietnamese players aiming for world titles in France.
Morocco's early results have set a competitive tone, but the real challenge will be maintaining momentum through a packed schedule and a strong field. The event so far has shown Morocco's ability to host major cue sports competitions, and the home teams' performances have given local fans reason to hope for a breakthrough. If Morocco can build on these opening wins, the championship could become a milestone for the country's cue sports ambitions and its reputation as a host for international events.
