Discover what’s happening now and stay ahead with updates on upcoming events and activities!
2025-2026 Season Competitions
Hosted by USEL
School National Championships 2026
The School National Championships 2026 will take place at the Ontario Convention Center from July 24th to 26th, bringing together the top qualifying teams from participating districts for an unforgettable robotics competition. This high level event is where students will showcase their skills, teamwork, and innovation as they compete for national titles and the chance to represent the United States on the US National Robotics Team. More details on schedules, activities, and event logistics will be available soon as we get closer to Nationals.
Hosted by USEL
Online Regional Open Qualifier: Future Innovators
The Online Regional Open Qualifier 2026: Future Innovators will open for submissions from June 1st to June 19th, 2026, giving eligible Future Innovators teams the opportunity to participate in a virtual regional qualifying event. Teams that have purchased the Season Pass will be able to submit their project report and video presentation, as well as schedule a live Q&A session with judges. This online qualifier is designed to give teams a flexible way to showcase their creativity, innovation, and engineering process as they compete for the chance to earn spots at the Americas Open Championship. More details on submission requirements, judging schedules, and event logistics will be available soon as the qualifier approaches.
Hosted by Chasewood Learning
USEL Affiliate Cup
The USEL Affiliate Cup 2026 will take place at Northern Illinois University in Aurora, Illinois, from August 7th to 9th, bringing together Season Pass holders from across the country for an exciting WRO competition experience. This event gives eligible teams the opportunity to showcase their skills, teamwork, and innovation as they compete for spots to the WRO International Finals and the WRO Americas Open Championship. More details on schedules, activities, and event logistics will be available soon as we get closer to the event.
Hosted by Launchpad Robo Lab
Regional Open Qualifier: Chicago, Illinois
The WRO Regional Open Qualifier: Chicago, Illinois (August 12–14) brings together teams from across the country for a three-day competition experience at the University of Illinois Chicago — one of the nation's leading public research universities, set in the heart of one of America's most dynamic cities. For teams attending the Affiliate Cup a couple days earlier, this event offers a natural and convenient continuation of the season just a few days later. Open to all eligible teams nationwide, the event covers all WRO Open categories, with top-placing teams advancing to the WRO Americas Open Championship. The event is organized by Launchpad Robo Lab, a Chicagoland-based robotics education organization with firsthand experience at WRO competitions at the highest international level.
Hosted by Blue Ridge Boost
Regional Open Qualifier: Charlottesville, Virginia
The WRO Regional Open Qualifier: Charlottesville, Virginia will take place at Newcomb Hall, University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, on September 5th and 6th, bringing together teams from across the state for an exciting two-day WRO competition experience. This event gives eligible teams the opportunity to showcase their skills, teamwork, and innovation as they compete for advancement to the WRO Americas National Championship. More details on schedules, activities, and event logistics will be available soon as we get closer to the event.
World Robot Olympiad
Open Championships: Americas, Ontario, USA
Planning your visit to the WRO 2026 US Open Championships will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The event will take place at the Ontario Convention Center from September 25th through 27th, 2026, where teams from across the country will compete for top honors and the title of being among the best teams in the Americas. To support your trip to Southern California, we’ve included recommendations on nearby hotels, convenient flight options, and a variety of dining choices to help you stay comfortable and well prepared throughout the event. These resources will make it easier for you to plan your stay and focus on an exciting week of robotics.
World Robot Olympiad
Open Championships: Asia & Pacific Delhi, India
Hosted in India's dynamic capital city on September 25th - 27th, 2026, this championship brings together young innovators from across the Asia-Pacific region to demonstrate their creativity, technical skills, and collaborative spirit on a global platform. Celebrating the theme "Robots Meet Culture," teams will compete in exciting challenges that blend cutting-edge robotics with cultural innovation, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
World Robot Olympiad
Open Championships: Europe Zagreb, Croatia
The WRO Open Championship: Europe in Zagreb, Croatia, taking place from October 13th – 16th, 2026, unites the brightest young robotics teams from across the continent to compete in a vibrant and inspiring setting. This premier event challenges participants to showcase their engineering expertise, creative problem-solving, and teamwork as they explore how robots can preserve, celebrate, and innovate within the world of art and culture.
World Robot Olympiad
International Final: Puerto Rico
The WRO International Final 2026 descends upon San Juan, Puerto Rico from December 8th – 10th, 2026, bringing together over 500 teams from 90+ countries for the world's premier youth robotics competition. Set against the backdrop of this vibrant Caribbean island where history meets innovation, young engineers will compete, collaborate, and celebrate the theme "Robots Meet Culture" on the ultimate global stage. Below, you'll find essential travel information including recommended hotels, local dining, and airport details to help you make the most of this unforgettable experience.
WRO 2026 FAQ
Everything you need to know about the season
How does a WRO season work?
- The WRO 2026 season follows this structured competition schedule:
- Registration Opens: January 2026
- Game Rules Released: January 15, 2026
- District Championships (District Partners Only): Ontario, CA · April 17–18, 2026
- Virginia Open Qualifier: Charlottesville, VA · July 2026 (subject to change)
- School National Championships (District Partners Only): Ontario, CA · July 24–26, 2026
- USEL Affiliate Cup: Aurora, IL · August 7-9, 2026 (subject to change)
- US Open Championships: Ontario, CA · September 24–28, 2026
- Open Championship: Asia & Pacific: Delhi, India · September 25–27, 2026
- Open Championship: Europe: Zagreb, Croatia · October 13–16, 2026
- International Final: San Juan, Puerto Rico · December 8–10, 2026
How do I register a team for the competition?
- To participate in WRO competitions, you need one of two affiliate passes:
- Season Pass (Tier 1): For parents, schools, or organizations registering one team. Includes one team registration, eligibility to register for the Affiliate Cup and Regional Open Qualifiers (separate fees apply), and access to official WRO materials.
- Event Organizer Pass (Tier 2): For organizations wanting to host their own WRO events. Allows you to host sanctioned Regional Open Qualifiers, register unlimited teams to your own events at no additional USEL fee, and apply to host next year's Affiliate Cup.
- District Championships & School National Championships: Exclusive to school partners—affiliates cannot register for these events.
- Visit the USEL Store to purchase your Season Pass or Event Organizer Pass.
- A signed data protection form is required when submitting team member details.
What is the difference between the Season Pass and Event Organizer Pass?
- Season Pass: Includes one team registration and allows you to purchase additional registrations at a reduced cost. Grants eligibility to register for the Affiliate Cup and Regional Open Qualifiers (separate registration fees apply for each event).
- Event Organizer Pass: Allows organizations to host their own sanctioned WRO events, register unlimited teams to their own events at no additional USEL fee, and apply to host Regional Open Qualifiers or next year's Affiliate Cup.
- If you participate through an Event Organizer's hosted events, you may not need your own Season Pass for those specific events.
What is the USEL Affiliate Cup?
- The USEL Affiliate Cup is a national level competition held in Aurora, IL that awards USA National Robotics Team qualification spots to both the International Finals and the Americas Open Championship.
- The Affiliate Cup replaces the traditional US Nationals for teams outside of partnered public school districts.
- International Finals qualification spots from the Affiliate Cup:
- RoboMission – one team from each age group
- RoboSports – one qualifying team
- Future Innovators – one qualifying team
- Future Engineers – one qualifying team
- Event Organizers may apply to host next year's Affiliate Cup.
How do Regional Open Qualifiers work?
- Regional Open Qualifiers are hosted by Event Organizers and award qualification spots to the WRO Americas Open Championship.
- All Regional Open Qualifiers must be approved by USEL before being held.
- Important: Regional Open Qualifiers do NOT award spots to the International Finals—only the Affiliate Cup does.
- Event Organizers can apply to host Regional Open Qualifiers through USEL.
Can a team compete at both the Americas Open and International Finals?
- No. Starting this season, teams are no longer allowed to compete at both events.
- You must choose one path: either the WRO Americas Open Championship or the WRO International Finals.
- The Affiliate Cup awards spots to both competitions, while Regional Open Qualifiers only award spots to the Americas Open Championship.
Do I need my own robot?
- Yes, teams must provide their own robot.
- All robot systems are now allowed in all WRO categories for 2026!
- Each category has specific size and weight requirements (e.g., RoboMission: max 25x25x25cm, RoboSports: max 20x20x20cm and 1.2kg, Future Engineers: max 30x20x30cm).
How much does it cost to participate in WRO?
- Participation requires purchasing either a Season Pass or Event Organizer Pass from the USEL Store.
- The Season Pass and Event Organizer Pass grant eligibility to participate. Registration fees for the Affiliate Cup and Regional Open Qualifiers are separate and vary by event.
- Event Organizers do not pay USEL per-team fees to register teams to their own hosted events.
- For teams qualifying for international competitions, additional fees apply.
Move-in Date and Time
- District Championships (Ontario, CA · April 17–18, 2026): Day before event from 10 AM - 4 PM OR morning of event from 7 AM - 9 AM
- School National Championships (Ontario, CA · July 24–26, 2026): Day before event from 10 AM - 4 PM
- Affiliate Cup (Aurora, IL · August 8, 2026): Day before event from 10 AM - 4 PM
- Please check specific event details closer to the date for exact times and locations.
How many booths are available for exhibitors?
- District Championships: Up to 15 standard 10x10 booths can fit.
- School National Championships / Affiliate Cup: More space is available, allowing for double the booths.
- Contact USEL for specific booth availability at each event.
Is parking included for exhibitors?
- Yes, exhibitors receive one parking pass. Additional passes can be requested.
Will there be WiFi and electricity?
- Yes, WiFi and electricity will be available at all competition venues.
