From elite to regional
Across six continents, nations
compete at the elite level – taking
part in Qualifier ties to win through
to the prestigious Davis Cup Final 8
– or in World Group I or II ties, or
regional group events. For nations
in the lower tiers, the prize is
promotion to the next level up, and
at the pinnacle, nations competing
in the Qualifiers and Final 8 are
bidding to lift the coveted Davis
Cup trophy.
Above regional level, the competition
is now played in an almost entirely
home-or-away format. This enables
Davis Cup by Generali to be taken
to more – and new – places around
the world. Large home crowds
provide a unique and special
atmosphere for fans and players.
The exception is the Davis Cup
Final 8 – this showpiece event has
a knockout format and is being
held in Bologna in November for
the second successive year as
Davis Cup by Generali, the men's World
Cup of Tennis, reflects the truly global
nature of tennis. Now in its 127th year,
a record 160 nations entered in 2026 and
it remains the largest annual international
team competition in sport. Italy are three-
time defending champions.
Davis
CUP by Generali
12 We Are World Tennis 2026 l Major Events
