Assahafa.com
The 2026 Shotgun World Cup officially kicked off on Thursday in Tangier, bringing together elite shooters from 46 countries across five continents in a major international sporting event.
Organized by the Royal Moroccan Shooting Federation (FRMTS) under the Presidency of HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, the competition features some of the world’s top shooting talents, representing leading schools of the discipline from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, FRMTS Deputy President Abdeladim Lhafi highlighted that Tangier was selected to host the event following significant upgrades to the city’s shooting club. The venue now meets the highest international standards, he noted.
According to Lhafi, the facility has been equipped with eight Olympic shooting ranges, enabling it to secure official accreditation from the ISSF and positioning it to host major global competitions.
He added that this World Cup, held under the auspices of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) represents a key milestone in the Moroccan federation’s long-term strategy, as the Kingdom prepares to organize the Junior World Championships in 2028, just weeks ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Beyond showcasing experienced Moroccan athletes, the event also offers an important opportunity for young national talents, both men and women, to compete against world champions. Lhafi emphasized that this exposure is crucial for developing the technical and psychological skills needed to succeed internationally, particularly in Trap and Skeet disciplines.
For his part, ISSF Secretary General Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo expressed his satisfaction with Morocco hosting the prestigious competition. He praised the country’s organizational capabilities and its longstanding tradition in shooting sports.
“This is the start of the season for us, and there is no better place than Morocco to begin,” he said, adding that Tangier’s new facilities are “impressive,” while the favorable weather and panoramic views provide an ideal setting for the sport.
The competition schedule includes several highlights, with the men’s and women’s Skeet finals set for Saturday, March 28. Trap events will follow, culminating in individual finals on April 1, before the tournament concludes on April 2 with the mixed team Trap final.
Source: map
