Transplant Football World Cup 2026 in Frankfurt

27 November 2025

The World Transplant Games Federation (WTGF) is delighted to announce that Germany has been selected as the host nation for the Transplant Football World Cup (TFWC) 2026, taking place 6–12 September 2026 in Frankfurt am Main.

Following Germany’s successful hosting of the World Transplant Games 2025, the nation and Transdia expressed a meaningful commitment to continue its leadership role in global transplant sport and to build on the momentum generated for organ-donation awareness. With Germany still facing a critical need for increased organ and tissue donation, the 2026 TFWC will serve as a powerful platform to expand public understanding, strengthen advocacy efforts, and help shape future policies.

A Football Powerhouse Supporting the Gift of Life

As one of the world’s great football nations, Germany provides a fitting stage for the TFWC. Frankfurt, the home city of German national football team, will host all tournament matches—featuring FIFA-standard pitches, world-class athlete facilities, and an elite training and competition environment.

Frankfurt’s central European location, international airport, and excellent public transport system reinforce its role as a natural hub for a unified athlete village and the community-driven “HUB” model central to the event’s identity.

Advancing Inclusivity: Introduction of a Women’s Exhibition Event

In alignment with WTGF’s strategic vision to expand and diversify transplant sport, the 2026 Transplant Football World Cup will feature the first-ever Women’s Exhibition Event.

This initiative aims to:

• Highlight the growing community of female transplant athletes
• Encourage new pathways for women’s football within WTGF programmes
• Enhance visibility, representation, and inclusivity across transplant sports internationally

This milestone champions equal opportunity and reflects the evolving landscape of global transplant athletics.

Draft Tournament Structure, Format & Team Requirements

Germany’s 2026 edition will follow the official WTGF competition protocols to ensure global consistency, fairness, and athlete safety.

Team & Match Structure

• Teams: National squads competing in 7-a-side football
• Roster Size: Minimum 12 players per team
• Match Duration: Two 20-minute halves with a 10-minute interval
• Substitutions: Unlimited, roll-on/roll-off
• Eligibility: Recipients of heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, or bone marrow transplants

Competition Format

• Day 1: Opening Ceremony and team arrivals
• Days 2–4: Round-robin group matches (morning and afternoon sessions)
• Day 5: Semi-finals and placement play-offs
• Day 6: Finals, Gala Dinner, and Awards Ceremony
• Day 7: Team departures

A Championship With Purpose

Germany’s 2026 TFWC programme will feature an expanded scientific, educational, and community agenda, inspired by the success of the 2025 World Transplant Games. Key elements include:

• A scientific and medical mini-conference hosted with Frankfurt University Hospital and the German Organ Donation Foundation (DSO)
• A major press conference bringing together political leaders, medical experts, and community partners
• Storytelling and advocacy campaigns spotlighting transplant journeys
• Strong media partnerships, multi-camera live-streaming, and broad public outreach
• A unifying theme at the heart of the event: “Life is the real trophy.”

A World-Class Athlete Experience

The 2026 Frankfurt edition will provide an elevated athlete experience featuring:

• 6 nights’ accommodation in a unified HUB environment
• Breakfast and communal evening meals
• Opening Ceremony, Closing Evening, and Gala Dinner
• Enhanced multi-camera live-streaming with English commentary
• Comprehensive medical services and daily physiotherapy
• A full-week public transport pass
• Volunteer support, accreditation, and full event management
• Professional tournament operations meeting and building on the standards set in Italy 2024

The event is supported by confirmed government funding and committed sponsor engagement, ensuring an accessible, high-quality World Cup experience.

Local Member Representation: TransDia Sport Deutschland e.V.

WTGF is proud to work with its German member country organisation, TransDia Sport Deutschland e.V., and the RTGA agency which will serve as the official local representative and host association.

Together they bring decades of experience in transplant sport, deep community connections across Germany, and an unwavering commitment to promoting organ donation. Their leadership reinforces the national importance of this event and the shared mission behind it.

A Message for the World

“The Transplant Football World Cup is a celebration of second chances, resilience, and the global gift of organ donation,” said WTGF Football chair Kate Clark. “Germany’s vision for 2026 embraces inclusivity, medical excellence, and world-class organisation.” Germany’s hosts, TransDia Sport Deutschland e.V. and RTG Alliance, added:

“After hosting the World Transplant Games 2025, we felt a responsibility to continue the mission of raising organ-donation awareness. With expanded programming, the introduction of the Women’s Exhibition Match.  We are ready to deliver an inspiring and impactful World Cup. And don’t forget Germany did won the football Tournament during WTG2025 in Dresden.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the partnership between WTGF, TransDia Sport Deutschland e.V., and RTG Alliance now confirmed, preparations for the Transplant Football World Cup 2026 are officially underway.

Next September, the world’s transplant athletes will gather in Frankfurt— not only to compete, but to inspire.

As Liz Schick, WTGF President, concluded: “Because for transplant athletes everywhere, life itself is the real trophy.”