Tommy Paul and Jack Draper will be in action as the 2026 Davis Cup kicks off action with the Qualifiers first round. The 26-team knock-out round is scheduled to be played in a home and away format from February 5 to 8.
Among the seeded teams are Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Serbia and several others. They will face stiff resistance from some of the in-form underdogs. The 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers first round promises top-tier tennis and here’s everything you need to know heading into it:
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Qualification criteria
A total of 26 have made the cut for the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers’ first round. Six of these teams secured their spots by reaching the Finals of the 2025 edition. Finals host nation and defending champion Italy and last year’s runner-up Spain have been given a bye in the first round and will play the 2026 Qualifiers second round directly.
In addition, seven losing teams that reached the 2025 Davis Cup Qualifiers second round but failed to reach the Finals were also given assured spots in the first round this year. The remaining 13 spots were the winning teams from the 2025 World Group I.
Davis Cup Qualifiers 1st Round Schedule, Format and Venues
The 26 teams will play for thirteen spots in the 2026 Qualifiers second Round, with each of the 13 seeded teams taking on an unseeded opponent on a home and away basis.
This year’s venues include
Castello Düsseldorf, Germany
Quito Tennis and Golf Club, Ecuador
Kolodruma, Bulgaria
Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association, India
Tatabányai Multifunkcionális Sportcsarnok, Hungary
Le Chaudron, France
Thunderbird Sports Centre, Canada
Horácká Aréna, Czech Republic
Gijang Stadium, Busan
Ariake Coliseum, Japan
Nadderud Arena, Norway
Varaždin Arena, Croatia
Estadio Nacional, Chile
All matches will be played from February 5 to 8, 2026.
Top players ft. Tommy Paul, Jack Draper
Among the big names set to spearhead action at the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers’ first round are Tommy and Jack Draper. The former will lead a strong US contingent, also set to feature Ethan Quinn, Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek.
Draper, meanwhile, returns to action after a prolonged injury break. He will be ably supported by Cameron Norrie. Youngster Gabriel Diallo will fill in the shoes for the top-ranked player from Canada, while Jiri Lehecka will take on the leadership role for Czech Republic.
Where to watch
Fans can catch live action in the respective territories at the following channels:
USA – Tennis Channel
Canada – TVA, CBS Sport, YouTube
UK – Tennis Channel, BBC
India – DD Sports
France – beIN Sports
Chile/Ecuador – Direct TV
Matches will also be livestreamed on Daviscup.com and YouTube in certain parts of the world. For more information, visit the official website.
Edited by Vedant Chandel
