The World Orienteering Championships (WOC) 2026 are scheduled to be held in Genova, Italy from 6-11 July 2026. WOC will consist of a sprint, a knock-out sprint, and a sprint relay.

New Zealand is entitled to enter:

• up to 3 women and 3 men for the sprint
• up to 3 women and 3 men for the knock-out sprint
• one team consisting of 4 athletes of whom at least two must be women in the sprint relay

Additionally, the current Regional (Oceania) Champions in each format, sprint and knock-out sprint, may be entered into the respective competitions. 

Selection Criteria

As per the Orienteering NZ G1 Selection Policy the 2026 WOC team will be selected on the basis of:

For New Zealand based athletes

• performances in the Oceania Sprint Championships 2026 Knock-out Sprint, and Sprint races (24-25 January)
• known form including performances at previous national and international championship events

For overseas based athletes

• should contact the Senior Selection Panel to determine suitable arrangements for demonstrating form and fitness
• known form including performances at previous national and international championship events

Expression of Interest

All athletes interested in selection for the 2026 WOC team should use the following form to notify their interest, year of birth, email and cell phone number by 11 January 2026.

We encourage athletes to submit their expression of interest early, as those registered will be included in discussions on topics such as accommodation options.Any questions should be directed to the Senior Selection Panel (senior.selection@orienteering.org.nz).