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WRO 2026 FAQ
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Everything you need to know about the season
Competition Info
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 (School Partners Only): Ontario, CA · April 17–18, 2026
- School National Championships (School Partners Only): Ontario, CA · July 24–26, 2026
- USEL Affiliate Cup: DeKalb, IL · August 7–9, 2026
- Regional Open Qualifier: Chicago, Illinois: Chicago, IL · August 12–14, 2026
- Regional Open Qualifier: Charlottesville, Virginia: Charlottesville, VA · September 5–6, 2026
- Regional Open Qualifier: Ontario, California: Ontario, CA · September 12, 2026
- Open Championship: Americas: Ontario, CA · September 25–27, 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?
- Teams in the Affiliate Program Pathway register for each event directly with the USEL affiliate hosting it. Each event sets its own registration and fees.
- Get official WRO equipment, including competition mats, challenge kits, and table tops, in the USEL Store.
- District Championships & School National Championships: Exclusive to USEL school partners.
- A signed data protection form is required when submitting team member details.
How do I host a WRO event?
- Organizations can become USEL affiliates and apply to host sanctioned Regional Open Qualifiers.
- Every event must be approved by USEL before it is held, and affiliates handle registration for the events they host.
- Each year, affiliates can also apply to host the USEL Affiliate Cup.
- Learn more on the Affiliate Program page.
What is the USEL Affiliate Cup?
- The USEL Affiliate Cup is a national level competition held in DeKalb, IL that awards USA National Robotics Team qualification spots to both the International Finals and the Americas Open Championship.
- The traditional single US Nationals format has been replaced by two championship events: the School National Championship and the USEL Affiliate Cup. Together they form the WRO-USA national qualification structure, and each pathway earns International Final entries under WRO's published Qualification Table.
- 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
- USEL affiliates can apply to host the Affiliate Cup each year.
How do Regional Open Qualifiers work?
- Regional Open Qualifiers are hosted by USEL affiliates 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.
- USEL affiliates 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?
- Teams register for each event directly with its host, and registration fees are set by each event.
- Official WRO equipment, including competition mats, challenge kits, and table tops, is available in the USEL Store.
- 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 (DeKalb, IL · August 7–9, 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.
