USA Wheelchair Rugby names 12-player roster for world championships in Brazil
USA Wheelchair Rugby has named a 12-athlete roster for the 2026 World Wheelchair Rugby World Championships in São Paulo, Brazil, where the U.S. will play from Aug. 17-23. The team is chasing its first world title since 2010 as it faces a tough Group A field that includes Canada, New Zealand, Brazil and reigning champion Australia.
Why it matters: - USA Wheelchair Rugby is trying to end a 16-year gold-medal drought on the sport’s biggest stage. - The U.S. team has medaled at every world championship since 1995, but has not won since 2010. - The 2026 tournament in Brazil brings together the world’s top wheelchair rugby teams and offers a direct test of the program’s depth.
What happened: - USA Wheelchair Rugby announced a 12-person roster for the 2026 World Wheelchair Rugby World Championships in São Paulo, Brazil. - The tournament runs Aug. 17-23. - The U.S. will compete against 11 other top-ranked teams from around the world. - The roster includes Sarah Adam, Chuck Aoki, Travis Baker, Clay Brackett, Chris Fleace, Lee Fredette, Brad Hudspeth, Mandy Marchiano, Josh O’Neill, Alex Pabon, Kory Puderbaugh and Mason Symons.
The details: - Head coach Joe Delagrave called the roster a mix of veterans and seven athletes who will be playing in their first world championship. - USA Wheelchair Rugby will play in Group A with Canada, New Zealand, Netherlands, Brazil and Australia. - Group play for the U.S. starts Tuesday, Aug. 18, against the Netherlands at 9:30 a.m. CT and New Zealand at 5 p.m. CT. - The U.S. faces Canada on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 3:30 p.m. CT. - Matchups on Thursday, Aug. 20, include Australia at 9:30 a.m. CT and Brazil at 5:30 p.m. CT. - Crossover play, quarterfinals and semifinals are set for Friday, Aug. 21, and Saturday, Aug. 22. - Medal matches are scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 23. - Fans can watch on World Wheelchair Rugby’s YouTube channel.
Between the lines: - The roster appears built to balance experience with first-time championship energy, which may help the U.S. manage a demanding group schedule. - The presence of Australia, the reigning world champion, and Brazil on home soil raises the difficulty level in pool play. - USA Wheelchair Rugby’s history of medaling in every championship gives the team a strong standard, but also adds pressure to deliver another podium finish.
What's next: - The U.S. roster will travel to São Paulo for the start of competition on Aug. 17. - Group-stage results will determine whether the team advances into crossover play and the knockout rounds. - The United States will try to break through to the top of the podium for the first time since 2010.
The bottom line: - USA Wheelchair Rugby enters the 2026 worlds with experience, depth and a clear goal: win gold again.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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