USA Fencing to Host FIE Senior Women’s and Men’s Saber World Cup in Salt Lake City in January 2026
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by Bryan Wendell
USA Fencing, Sport Salt Lake and the Utah Sports Commission team up to bring an FIE event to Salt Lake City for the first time since 2019.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Next year’s FIE season will climb back to 4,265 feet above sea level. That’s the altitude of Salt Lake City, site of the newly awarded 2026 Women’s and Men’s FIE Saber World Cup, set for Jan. 22–25, 2026, at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
“Bringing a Senior Saber World Cup back to the United States — and to a venue that knows how to deliver world-class fencing — is enormous for our fencers and fans,” says USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews. “Home-crowd energy can be the difference between silver and gold, and we can’t wait to feel that boost in Utah.”
Salt Lake City last welcomed the FIE (International Fencing Federation) in December 2019, when USA Fencing hosted the Absolute Fencing Gear Women’s Saber World Cup — the most recent senior saber World Cup held anywhere in the United States.
"USA Fencing and Salt Lake have a wonderful history together, with more than 12 events hosted in the destination over the past 15 years,” says Clay Partain, Chief Sports Officer for Sports Salt Lake, a division of Visit Salt Lake. “We are honored to host the Senior Saber World Cup in Salt Lake and welcome the world of fencing back to our city!"
The nation’s last senior FIE event in any weapon was the Foil Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., in March 2024. Now, the world’s fastest blades return to Utah, giving fans a preview of international competition in the future home of the 2034 Winter Olympics and continuing a storied tradition of elite fencing on American soil.
Over four packed days, athletes will battle for medals — and crucial FIE ranking points — in women’s individual saber, men’s individual saber and the always-thrilling saber team event. Schedules, ticket info and tournament start times will be announced closer to the start of the competition.
USA Fencing is grateful to the FIE for this opportunity, which also wouldn’t be possible without the steadfast partnership of Sport Salt Lake and the Utah Sports Commission.
“The return of the FIE Saber World Cup is a powerful reflection of the legacy we’ve built over the past 25 years,” said Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission. “It underscores the confidence governing bodies have in The State of Sport’s ability to deliver a world-class experience, and we look forward to welcoming the global fencing community to Utah."
USA Fencing invites the entire community to make the trip to Salt Lake City. We want to see you fill the stands and cheer as loudly as possible while our saber squads battle for gold. Volunteer opportunities will be announced as the event approaches, offering another way to be part of an unforgettable weekend.
