The qualification system for squash’s debut at the European Games in Istanbul (22-26 June 2027) has been announced by the European Squash Federation following approval by Member Nations at its AGM in Amsterdam.
The 2027 European Games is one of the five Continental Games which forms part the Olympic Qualification System for the squash competition at the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28). The event will also double up as the 2027 ESF European Individual Closed Championships.
The men’s and women’s squash gold medallists in Istanbul will guarantee qualification in the 16-player Olympic draw in LA (subject to meeting conditions in the Olympic qualification guidelines).
The squash competition at the European Games will consist of 24 players per gender and shall be composed as follows:
- 21 places: direct qualification by PSA World Rankings on cut-off date of 19 April 2027
- 1 place: host country (Türkiye)
- 2 places: winner and runner-up in qualification tournament
The 21 places per gender allocated via the PSA World Rankings on 19 April 2027 will be subject to the following national allocation rules:
- Up to three players per nation can participate, provided all three are in top 100 of PSA World Rankings at the cut-off date
- If any of the 21 direct qualification places remain unallocated, those places shall be offered to the next highest-ranked player from outside the top 100 (but only up to an overall maximum of two places per nation in this case).
Further details can be found here.
Qualification tournament (to take place 6-9 May 2027):
- Nations not yet represented among the 21 places allocated by PSA World Rankings can nominate one player per gender
- Draw size will depend on number of entries
- The four finalists (two men, two women) will qualify for the European Games
The full European Games qualification guidelines are available here.
European Squash Federation President Thomas Troedsson said: “We are thrilled to announce these qualification criteria for what is an eagerly-awaited occasion as squash makes its debut in the European Games.
“For the two gold medallists in Istanbul, it will be the realisation of a dream to be part of squash’s Olympic debut at LA 2028. With such high stakes, the European Games is set to be one of the most exciting squash competitions ever staged.
“I’d like to thank colleagues at the European Squash Federation, World Squash, the PSA and the European Olympic Committee and the 2027 European Games Organising Committee for their support during this process.”
Chair of the EOC Coordination Commission for the 4th European Games Istanbul 2027, Mihai Covaliu, said: “The inclusion of squash at Istanbul 2027 marks an important milestone for both the sport and the European Games.
“We are proud to provide a platform where Europe’s top players can compete at the highest level, with the added incentive of a direct pathway towards qualification for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. This is a significant step in showcasing squash on the continental stage and supporting its continued growth.”
Further details will be announced in due course at europeansquash.com
