SCA announces final 2026 World Coffee Championships host cities – BeanScene

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced the full list of 2026 World Coffee Championships (WCC) destinations, with previously revealed San Diego and Panama to be joined by Bangkok and Brussels.

The WCC 2026 season will kick off in San Diego in April with the World Latte Art Championship.

World of Coffee Bangkok will now play host to the World Cup Tasters Championship between 7 and 9 May, while World of Coffee Brussels will host the World Brewers Cup, the World Coffee Roasting Championship, and the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship between 25 and 27 June.

The season will then conclude with the World Barista Championship at World of Coffee Panama between 23 and 25 October.

The SCA says Bangkok is the ideal destination to host the World Cup Tasters Championship in Thailand for the first time.

“Bangkok, a vibrant city at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, offers a dynamic backdrop for this sensory-driven competition where speed, accuracy, and palate mastery are put to the ultimate test,” a statement from the SCA reads.

“As the specialty coffee scene in Southeast Asia continues to flourish, this event will spotlight the region’s talent and energy while welcoming a global coffee audience.”

According to the SCA, Brussels has been selected to host a trio of World Championship events because of its strong coffee culture and accessibility to the rest of the world.

“Brussels, with its global accessibility and historic coffee culture, is an ideal setting to bring together professionals, champions, and consumers from around the world,” says the SCA.

“Each WCC event serves as a catalyst for community-building and knowledge-sharing, while providing a space where baristas, brewers, tasters, and roasters can showcase their craft, challenge the status quo, and inspire the next generation of coffee leaders.”