The 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship is underway in Wellington, New Zealand, with national teams battling for qualification spots in the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship. Seven nations are competing in this crucial continental qualifier, with Japan already securing a spot as host.
Early Dominance and Emerging Rivalries
The championship kicked off with strong performances from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, who all secured decisive victories in their opening matches. Australia demonstrated its prowess with a commanding 29-2 win over host New Zealand, while Japan defeated Hong Kong, China, 20-5. The Philippines also made a statement, overwhelming China with a 20-1 victory.
Day Two Action and Standings
Day two saw Japan and the Philippines continue their winning streaks, improving to 2-0 records. Their upcoming match is highly anticipated as it will determine the top spot in their pool and a direct path to the semifinals. The Philippines, in particular, is aiming for qualification for the 2027 World Championship, a goal Japan has already achieved as the host nation.
New Zealand secured its first win of the tournament, defeating Korea 13-7. This victory positions Australia favorably to win Pool A, with a significant margin of victory needed by Korea to overtake them. The second and third-place teams from Pool A will advance to the play-in round.
Path to the 2027 World Championship
The 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship serves as a critical qualifier for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship. The winners of each pool will automatically qualify for the semifinals and secure their place in the 16-team global event. Additionally, the second and third-place teams from each pool will compete in play-in games for the remaining semifinal spots. The fourth-place team in Pool B will be eliminated from qualification contention.
Historical Context and Future Implications
All participating teams have a history of competing in the World Lacrosse Men’s Championships, with Australia being the most decorated, boasting 11 medal finishes. Japan finished fifth in the 2023 championship, just behind Australia. The Philippines, despite a 15th-place finish in 2023, was reclassified to 30th due to eligibility issues. The outcomes of this championship will shape the final lineup for the 2027 World Championship, which will feature a new 16-team format where all participants must earn their spot through continental qualifiers, with the exception of the host nation, Japan.