Padel World Cup semi-finals: Spain and Argentina set up a double final in Doha as France women fall to the holders

Spain and Argentina will meet in both finals of the FIP World Cup in Doha on Saturday, 7 November, after winning all four of Friday's semi-finals 2-0. Spain's men beat Portugal and their women beat France, while Argentina beat Italy in both the men's and the women's events, according to the International Padel Federation (FIP).

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Argentina vs Italy - Men - Semi-finals 1-4 - FIP World Cup 2026 — FIP - International Padel Federation · YouTube, plays on click

Spain's men survive a scare and a sporting gesture

The only set lost by a winning team in the four semi-finals came in the opening match of Spain v Portugal. Mike Yanguas and Aimar Goñi lost the first set 6-4 to Miguel and Nuno Deus, then took control to win 4-6 6-3 6-2 in 1 hour 38 minutes. The way that first set ended was the story of the day. With Portugal serving at 5-4, a Star Point was awarded to Spain after Goñi stretched to retrieve a smash at the net; the Portuguese claimed he had touched their side of the court. From the Spanish bench, Paquito Navarro and Juan Lebrón told the referee the point was Portugal's, the FIP reported, and the set went to the Deus brothers to applause from both sets of fans.

Navarro later gave the credit to Arturo Coello, who he said had seen the touch most clearly. He and Lebrón then sealed the tie by beating Pedro Graça and Peu Araujo 6-2 6-4, so the third match was not played.

Argentina never in doubt against Italy

The holders were quicker still. Leo Augsburger and Martín Di Nenno beat Italy's top pair, Flavio Abbate and Alvaro Montiel, 6-1 6-1 in 50 minutes on Centre Court. Fede Chingotto and Agustín Tapia then beat Aris Patiniotis and the debutant Brambilla 6-3 6-2, a match the FIP judged closer than the score suggests.

With Alejandro Galán missing from Spain's squad, Chingotto refused to make Argentina favourites. Spain, he said, could always field three strong teams, adding: "This match remains a 50-50 contest" (FIP). Spain captain Juanjo Gutiérrez called this "the strongest" Spain team he has coached in four World Cups, even without Galán. For Navarro, whose first call-up came in 2008, this could be a last World Cup with Spain: "I have been and still am privileged to have worn this shirt alongside these players," he told the FIP.

France women outclassed, Argentina beat Italy

France's women kept the pairs that beat the Netherlands, but Padel Magazine described the gap as obvious from the start. Paula Josemaría and Gemma Triay beat Léa Godallier and Clara Mansart 6-3 6-1 in 55 minutes, then Claudia Fernández and Bea González beat Alix Collombon and Louise Bahurel 6-0 6-0. The third match, Andrea Ustero and Martina Calvo against Carla Touly and Lucile Pothier, was not needed.

Argentina's women also needed only two matches against Italy. Aranzazu Osoro and Martina Fassio beat Caterina Baldi and Giulia Sussarello 6-2 6-2, and Delfi Brea and Claudia Jensen beat Giulia Dal Pozzo and Giorgia Marchetti 6-2 6-3, coming through a difficult spell in the second set. Triay, Brea's partner on the Premier Padel tour, warned that "Argentina are stronger than they were two years ago", the FIP reported.

What's next on Saturday

All four medal ties are on Saturday, 7 November, at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex (local times; CET is two hours earlier):

• 9:00 – Women's bronze: France v Italy
• 11:30 – Men's bronze: Italy v Portugal
• 14:00 – Women's final: Spain v Argentina
• 18:00 – Men's final: Argentina v Spain, Centre Court

What it means

The women's final will be the seventh in a row between the two nations, a series that began in Palma de Mallorca in 2014; Spain have won the last six and Argentina have taken silver each time. The men's final is also a repeat of 2024, when Argentina won the title in Doha, and Italy and Portugal play for bronze again, as they did two years ago. With Coello and Tapia, partners on the Premier Padel tour, on opposite sides, the line-ups announced shortly before the final will decide the key match-ups. For the road here, see our quarter-final report.