The USEL 2026 WRO Season Pass (USA) – Future Innovators is your fastest way to get set up for the 2026 World Robot Olympiad Future Innovators season with USEL Youth Robotics.
This Season Pass provides team registration only for the Future Innovators category.
When you purchase, you’ll receive:
- Team registration for the 2026 WRO Future Innovators season through USEL (up to 3 participants per team)
- Season Pass access for one team: up to 3 participants, ages 8–19
- WRO Future Innovators Kit
- An Affiliate Store module inside the course with direct links to:
- Register for affiliate-hosted tournaments (including Affiliate Regional Open Qualifiers)
- Register for larger affiliate events such as the USEL Affiliate Cup (when available)
- Purchase season-related items and add-ons as they release
About the WRO Future Innovators Kit:
Build smart, interactive robotics projects designed for the WRO Future Innovators category. The kit includes MATRIX sensors and the MATRIX M-Vision Camera so students can detect objects, track movement, and respond to their environment, with support for exploring AI and connected projects. It pairs with MATRIXBlock (Scratch-based) to help teams get started quickly and transition toward more advanced coding as they develop their solution.
This comprehensive set includes:
- 2 Controllers
- 6 Motors
- 30 Sensors
- Over 2000 Building Blocks
Tournament participation and advancement:
- Teams can compete at affiliate-hosted Regional Open Qualifiers (in person, where available)
- Teams can compete at larger events such as the USEL Affiliate Cup (when available)
- Future Innovators teams can qualify for the WRO Open Championship via an online qualifier as well as in person at affiliate Regional Open Qualifiers (based on the season’s qualification rules)
Important notes:
- This pass does not include curriculum, competition mats, or variants.
- Tournament eligibility and registration rules still apply and may require verified participant or team information at checkout or during registration.
- Access is intended for the purchasing organization/team and is not transferable.
Who this is for:
Coaches, parents, teams, and schools in the United States preparing to participate in the 2026 WRO Future Innovators division with USEL Youth Robotics.
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.
Exhibitor Information
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.