8 August 2025, Apia, Samoa – In a historic announcement made today, Samoa has been officially confirmed as the host nation for the 2026 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup, to be held from 23 April to 2 May 2026.
The news was delivered by Paul Coffa, as General Secretary of both the Oceania and Commonwealth Weightlifting Federations.
“This will be the first time a Pacific nation would host such a major event in the sport,” said the veteran coach who is in Samoa training his star Olympic gold-medal hopeful Eileen Cikamatana.
“Samoa has the support of the Oceania Weightlifting Federation and the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation,” said Coffa, “And it has been decided by the IWF that Samoa will host the next World Cup. Tuaopepe also has the full support of the Oceania National Olympic Committee.”
However; Mr Coffa says the support of Government is key, adding that Samoa’s Government has demonstrated the high priority it places on sports with the recent creation of a stand-alone Ministry for Sports and Recreation.
“Without the Government you cannot do anything.. and this government is ideal, they love sports!”
Mr Coffa says Samoa’s Tuanaimato Sports Complex is one of the largest in the world and we should be proud of our facilities.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. You’ve got football, cricket, baseball, rugby, weightlifting .. here at Tuanaimato..”
“For a small country, it’s huge, which means the Government fully support the development of sports..”
“For me, I am also excited that the world will get to see Samoa’s unique culture, the friendliness of its people and the warm hospitality you have to offer,” said Coffa.
The last World Cup was hosted in Phuket Thailand [2024] and before that, it was in Rome Italy [2020].
“So for Apia to be selected by the IWF is a testament to Samoa’s achievements, and its contribution to the development of the sport in the Region,” said Mr Coffa.
“Ever since I’ve been coming to Samoa for the past 30 plus years, it is the people that sets you apart, the friendships, the warmth, the way you shake hands, its unique, and I am excited that the world will get to see that,” adds the Olympic gold medal Coach.
“”The people of Samoa have a sacred ‘va’ of humility and respect. It is in the way they talk and carry themselves and over the years, I’ve seen that in my realtionship with the Wallwork family, in the Samoan athletes, and in all the people that I meet.”
Samoa’s Rich History in the Sport of Weightlifting
Apia Samoa being named as hosts of the 2026 IWF World Cup after cities such as Phuket Thailand and Rome Italy is an achievement that follows years of regional development under the leadership of Paul Coffa and Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork.
Samoa’s rich history in Pacific weightlifting goes back to Seiuli Paul Wallwork’s 1974 Commonwealth silver medal, and highlighted by Ele Opeloge’s 2008 Olympic silver medal, with Samoa providing consistent medal performances at the Commonwealth and World Champion events.
The World Cup is expected to draw over 500 elite athletes, not counting coaching staff and supporters from 70 countries around the globe, putting Samoa on the world stage as a premier destination for hosting international sporting events.
At the forefront of Samoa’s preparations is of course, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, who was recently appointed to the IWF Board.
Now also the President of Samoa’s Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC), Tuaopepe described the event as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for Samoa to showcase not only its state-of-the-art facilities but also its rich cultural heritage and hospitality.
Tuaopepe says they hope to involve the community with each participating country to be “adopted” by a Samoan village, “allowing athletes and visitors to immerse themselves in the true essence of Samoan life – its traditions, food, music, and community spirit..”
“This is more than just a sporting event,” said Tuaopepe “It’s a chance for Samoa to once again showcase itself to the world and establish itself as a true sporting hub in the world, with sports tourism as a flow on benefit..”
Economic and Community Benefits
Samoa has a well-established reputation for hosting international events. The small island nation’s recent successful hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) brought over 3,000 participants from over 50 nations.
Tuaopepe says hosting the IWF 2026 World Cup is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to Samoa. With hundreds of visitors arriving, local hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and tourism operators are expected to see a welcome surge in business.
Beyond commercial gains, local communities, farmers and growers are also set to benefit through the supply of fresh produce and services to support the event. “It will have a ripple effect,” said Tuaopepe. “From the markets to the villages, we are hoping to work collaboratively as a nation to make this a success.”
Tuaopepe says the selection of Samoa as hosts is a testament to the collaborative efforts of several stakeholders, including the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), the Samoa Government, the Oceania and Commonwealth Weightlifting Federations, Olypic Committes and the Samoa Weightlifting Federation powered by its local commercial partner, the National Bank of Samoa.
The Samoa Weightlifting Federation, as the host body, hopes to work closely with the Government of Samoa, particularly the dedicated Ministry of Sports, the Samoa Tourism Authority, and other key government agencies.
“We aknowledge our naming rights sponsors, the National Bank of Samoa, and hope they’ll come on board, and aslo secure other local corporate sponsorships to help deliver an event that will make Samoa proud.”
Facilities and Preparation
Samoa’s Tuanaimato Sports Complex, home to the renowned Oceania Weightlifting Institute and Academy, will be the main competition venue. While the facilities are world-class, Tuaopepe has expressed hopes for additional funding to upgrade equipment, and meet the required standards of the IWF World Cup.
Preparations will include a torch relay around the island, aimed at building excitement and national pride in the lead-up to the Opening Ceremony which has been set for 23 April 2026.
Spotlight on Samoa’s Lifters
For Samoa’s own weightlifting team, the opportunity is both inspirational and strategic. The Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 is set for 23 July – 2 August. With at least six medal contenders identified, the World Cup offers the perfect platform for Samoan athletes to shine on home soil.
Hosting the IWF World cup is also expected to ignite interest in young aspiring lifters and the next generation of sporting talent.
“This will leave a legacy for our youth, our sport, and our country,” Tuaopepe said.
As the countdown begins [258 Days] – Samoa stands ready to welcome the world with its well known hospitality, and the strength of a proud weightlifting nation.
