2026 Laver Cup
September 25 – September 27 BST
The Laver Cup is an annual men’s team tennis competition that has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on the global tennis calendar. Conceived by tennis legend Roger Federer and his longtime business partner Tony Godsick, the tournament made its debut in 2017 and has grown into what many describe as tennis’s answer to golf’s Ryder Cup.
- Format and Concept
- History and Results
- Future Host Cities
- 2026 Laver Cup Schedule
- The Points System – How a Winner Is Decided
- Sunday Contingency: Exhibition Match
- Lineup Announcements – When to Know Who’s Playing
- Important Notes for Attendees and Viewers
- Summary Table – 2026 Laver Cup Schedule
- Team Lineups: Who’s Competing in London?
- Final Team Summary Table
- Final Thoughts
Format and Concept
The tournament pits two teams of six elite male players against each other: Team Europe versus Team World, which comprises players from everywhere outside Europe. Each team is led by a captain—currently Yannick Noah leads Team Europe while Andre Agassi captains Team World.
The competition unfolds over three days, featuring nine singles matches and three doubles matches. A unique points system adds strategic depth: matches on day one are worth one point, day two matches carry two points, and day three matches are worth three points. The first team to reach 13 points claims the title.
Matches are played in a best-of-three sets format, with a 10-point tiebreak replacing a full third set if the score reaches one set apiece. Players receive participation fees and a share of a prize pool, though the event does not award ATP ranking points.
History and Results
Team Europe dominated the early editions, winning each year from 2017 through 2021. Team World broke through in 2022 at London’s O2 Arena—the same venue where Roger Federer played his final professional match alongside longtime rival Rafael Nadal in a poignant doubles farewell. Team World followed with another victory in 2023 before Europe reclaimed the trophy in 2024. Most recently, in 2025 at San Francisco’s Chase Center, Team World secured its third title with a decisive 15-9 victory.
Notable past champions include Alexander Zverev, who holds the record for most Laver Cup wins with five titles, while Jack Sock holds records for most matches played (16) and most matches won (10).
Future Host Cities
The Laver Cup alternates annually between European and “World” host cities. The 2026 edition will be held at London’s O2 Arena from September 25-27. In 2027, the tournament celebrates its 10th edition at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, home of the NBA’s Clippers. The event has previously been staged in Prague, Chicago, Geneva, Boston, Vancouver, and Berlin.
2026 Laver Cup Schedule
When and Where?
The 2026 Laver Cup takes place over three days, from Friday, 25 September to Sunday, 27 September at The O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom. All times are listed in British Summer Time (BST). The event follows the traditional session structure, with both day and night matches spread across the weekend.
Day-by-Day Schedule
Friday, 25 September – Day 1
Session 1 (Day) – 1 PM BST
- Match 1 – Singles
- Followed by Match 2 – Singles
Session 2 (Night) – 7 PM BST
- Match 3 – Singles
- Followed by Match 4 – Doubles
Friday kicks off with four matches—three singles and one doubles—split across daytime and prime-time sessions. This sets the tone for the weekend, with early points crucial for momentum.
Saturday, 26 September – Day 2
Session 3 (Day) – 1 PM BST
- Match 5 – Singles
- Followed by Match 6 – Singles
Session 4 (Night) – 7 PM BST
- Match 7 – Singles
- Followed by Match 8 – Doubles
Saturday mirrors Friday’s structure: two singles matches in the day session, followed by a singles and a doubles match under the lights. By the end of Day 2, eight matches will have been contested.
Sunday, 27 September – Day 3
Session 5 (Day) – 12 PM BST
- Match 9 – Doubles (if required)
- Followed by Match 10 – Singles
- Match 11 – Singles (if required)
- Followed by Match 12 – Singles
Sunday is the decisive day, with up to four additional matches. Notably, Match 9 and Match 11 are conditional—they will only be played if needed to determine the winner. This ensures the competition remains as tight and dramatic as possible.
The Points System – How a Winner Is Decided
The Laver Cup uses a unique cumulative scoring format:
- The winning team must reach 13 points.
- Each match win earns points, with values increasing across the weekend (typically 1 point per win on Friday, 2 on Saturday, and 3 on Sunday – though the schedule document focuses on the final target).
- If the competition is tied after 12 matches, a final overtime doubles match is played as a regular set with ad scoring and a tiebreak.
This means Sunday’s matches carry extra weight, and every session matters until the very last point.
Sunday Contingency: Exhibition Match
In the event that only one match is required on Sunday to decide the winner, an exhibition match will be played following the trophy ceremony. This ensures fans still get value from their Sunday tickets, even if the competitive action ends early.
Lineup Announcements – When to Know Who’s Playing
Team lineups are revealed on a rolling basis:
- Friday’s lineup – announced on Thursday afternoon.
- Saturday’s lineup – announced one hour after play ends on Friday night.
- Sunday’s lineup – announced one hour after play ends on Saturday night.
This staggered release adds an element of suspense and allows captains to react to the scoreline and player form.
Important Notes for Attendees and Viewers
- Schedule is subject to change – always check official channels for last-minute updates.
- Night session start times may be delayed if the day session runs long.
- Player appearances are not guaranteed – substitutions can occur without prior notice.
All times are displayed in local BST, so international fans should adjust for their own time zones.
Summary Table – 2026 Laver Cup Schedule
| Day | Date | Session | Time (BST) | Matches | Match Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 25 Sept | Session 1 (Day) | 1 PM | Matches 1 & 2 | Singles, Singles |
| Friday | 25 Sept | Session 2 (Night) | 7 PM | Matches 3 & 4 | Singles, Doubles |
| Saturday | 26 Sept | Session 3 (Day) | 1 PM | Matches 5 & 6 | Singles, Singles |
| Saturday | 26 Sept | Session 4 (Night) | 7 PM | Matches 7 & 8 | Singles, Doubles |
| Sunday | 27 Sept | Session 5 (Day) | 12 PM | Matches 9–12* | Doubles, Singles, Singles, Singles |
*Matches 9 and 11 are conditional (played only if required).
If tied after 12 matches – overtime doubles match follows.
Team Lineups: Who’s Competing in London?
With the schedule locked in, the spotlight now turns to the players who will battle it out on the iconic black court at The O2. Both Team Europe and Team World have finalized their six-man rosters, and this year’s edition promises one of the most balanced and star-studded lineups in Laver Cup history.
Defending champions Team World arrive with their highest-ranked squad ever, while Team Europe—smarting from last year’s narrow defeat in San Francisco—have blended seasoned veterans with exciting young talent. Here’s a complete breakdown of who’s playing, their credentials, and what they bring to the competition.
Team Europe – Captain: Yannick Noah (Vice Captain: Tim Henman)
After falling just short in 2025, Captain Yannick Noah has kept the core of his squad intact while adding one promising newcomer. The team boasts a mix of Grand Slam finalists, Top 10 mainstays, and rising stars—all with proven chemistry in the Laver Cup format.
| Player | World Ranking | Laver Cup Experience | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Zverev | No. 2 | Multiple appearances | Former World No. 2; powerful baseline game and big serve. A cornerstone of Team Europe. |
| Carlos Alcaraz | No. 3 | Multiple appearances | Two-time Grand Slam champion; electrifying all-court game. Unbeaten in doubles alongside Ruud in Laver Cup play. |
| Flavio Cobolli | No. 9 | Returning member | Italian rising star; solid two-way game. Retained from last year’s squad for continuity. |
| Casper Ruud | No. 13 | 6th straight appearance (2021–2026) | Three-time Grand Slam finalist; 6-3 career Laver Cup record. Brings invaluable experience and team spirit. |
| Jakub Mensik | No. 17 | Returning member | Young Czech talent with a big game; gained valuable experience in 2025. |
| Rafael Jodar | No. 24 | Debutant | The only new face for Europe. Spanish prodigy makes his first Laver Cup appearance after a breakout season. |
Casper Ruud – The Final Piece
Ruud’s confirmation on July 28, 2026, completed the European roster. Speaking about his selection, Captain Noah said:
“Casper is exactly the type of player you want on your team. He’s a fantastic competitor, a great teammate and someone who really embraces what the Laver Cup is all about.”
Ruud himself expressed extra motivation after 2025’s disappointment:
“We came up short last year, so there’s definitely extra motivation to put that right in London. Playing at The O2 again, with the British fans creating such a fantastic atmosphere, will make it even more special.”
Key Asset: Ruud’s doubles chemistry with Alcaraz (2-0 unbeaten as a pair) gives Noah a lethal option in the doubles rubber.
Team World – Captain: Andre Agassi (Vice Captain: Pat Rafter)
The defending champions have assembled their strongest lineup by ranking to date. Captain Andre Agassi has prioritized both experience and youthful exuberance, with all six players inside the world’s Top 24.
| Player | World Ranking | Laver Cup Experience | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex de Minaur | No. 6 | Multiple appearances | The heartbeat of Team World; relentless speed and fight. A proven Laver Cup performer. |
| Ben Shelton | No. 8 | Returning | Big lefty serve and explosive athleticism; already a fan favorite. |
| Taylor Fritz | No. 10 | Multiple appearances | Top American stalwart; huge forehand and consistent Top 10 presence. |
| Alexander Bublik | No. 11 | Returning | Unpredictable and entertaining; dangerous on any surface with his variety. |
| Learner Tien | No. 16 | Debutant | 20-year-old Californian; Australian Open quarterfinalist this year; two ATP titles (Metz 2025, Geneva 2026). |
| Tommy Paul | No. 21 | 3rd campaign (2022, 2023, 2026) | All-surface consistency; Houston champion in 2026; finals in Delray, Hamburg, and Queen’s Club. Missed 2025 through injury. |
Learner Tien – The Debutant Sensation
Tien, who turns 20 in 2026, has had a meteoric rise. After reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals (youngest man to do so since 2015) and winning his second ATP title in Geneva, he earned his first Laver Cup call-up.
“It’s a huge honor to be selected by Andre and it’s very special for me to represent Team World. I’ve been watching Laver Cup since I was 11 years old and I can’t wait to experience the incredible atmosphere as a player.”
Tommy Paul – Back and Hungry
Paul returns after injury forced him out of the 2025 squad. He was part of Team World’s historic first win in London (2022) and their dominant Vancouver victory (2023).
“I was disappointed to miss out on playing under Andre and Pat in San Francisco, so I’m thrilled to be back. There’s nothing quite like sharing the bench with these guys.”
Key Asset: Team World has incredible depth—all six players are capable of beating anyone on their day, and their camaraderie has been a hallmark of their recent success.
Head-to-Head Team Comparison
| Aspect | Team Europe | Team World |
|---|---|---|
| Average Ranking | ~14.7 | ~12.0 |
| Combined Top 10 | 2 (Zverev, Alcaraz) | 2 (de Minaur, Fritz)* |
| Laver Cup Debutants | 1 (Jodar) | 1 (Tien) |
| Most Caps | Ruud (6) | Paul / Fritz (multiple) |
| Doubles Ace | Alcaraz/Ruud (2-0) | De Minaur/Shelton (proven pair) |
| Captain | Yannick Noah (French legend) | Andre Agassi (8-time major winner) |
Shelton is also Top 10 (No. 8), giving Team World three players inside the Top 10 at the time of selection.
The Storylines to Watch
- Revenge vs. Dynasty: Team Europe wants to reclaim the cup after losing three of the last four editions. Team World aims to cement their dominance with a fourth title in five years.
- The O2 Factor: The venue holds deep emotional resonance—this is where Roger Federer played his final match in 2022. Both teams will feel the weight of history.
- Debutants Under Pressure: Jodar (Europe) and Tien (World) are the only first-timers. How they handle the unique team environment could be decisive.
- Doubles Chemistry: With Ruud/Alcaraz unbeaten for Europe and de Minaur/Shelton forming a formidable World pairing, the doubles points (especially the potential overtime decider) could swing the trophy.
Final Team Summary Table
| Team | Captain | Vice Captain | Players (Name – Rank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team Europe | Yannick Noah | Tim Henman | Alexander Zverev (No. 2), Carlos Alcaraz (No. 3), Flavio Cobolli (No. 9), Casper Ruud (No. 13), Jakub Mensik (No. 17), Rafael Jodar (No. 24) |
| Team World | Andre Agassi | Pat Rafter | Alex de Minaur (No. 6), Ben Shelton (No. 8), Taylor Fritz (No. 10), Alexander Bublik (No. 11), Learner Tien (No. 16), Tommy Paul (No. 21) |
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Laver Cup schedule offers a perfect blend of early tension and late-weekend drama. With four matches on Friday and Saturday, and a flexible Sunday card that could go the distance, fans are in for a treat. Whether you’re watching from the stands or following from home, mark your calendars and stay tuned for lineup announcements—because in the Laver Cup, every match, every point, and every session counts.
For more details, visit the official How Laver Cup Works page.