São Paulo (March 29, 2026) The HSBC SVNS 2 Series concluded in spectacular fashion in São Paulo, with the very last match of the weekend determining the final lineup for the prestigious three-tournament World Championship Series.
Women’s Draw
Brazil’s “Impossible” Comeback
The story of the tournament was the host nation, Brazil. Entering the weekend, their chances of overtaking China for the final qualification spot seemed slim. However, a dominant 38-7 win over Spain set up a “winner-takes-all” final against Kenya.
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The Decider: In a deafening Estadio Nicolau Alayon, Brazil defeated Kenya 24-12 to claim both the São Paulo title and the final ticket to the World Championship Series.
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Key Performers: Camilla Carvalho and Player of the Tournament Thalia Costa each netted doubles in the final.
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The Field: Brazil joins Argentina, South Africa, and Spain as the four teams advancing to the big stage.
Men’s Draw
Uruguayan Grit and Belgian Gold
While the title and qualification were decided in one match for the women, the men’s side saw the honors split between two nations.
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Qualification: Uruguay secured the final men’s qualification spot early on day two with a tense 24-19 win over Belgium. They join USA, Germany, and Kenya in the next phase.
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The Title: Despite missing out on the World Championship Series, Belgium took home the São Paulo trophy. Thanks to Kenya’s victory over Uruguay in the penultimate match, Belgium finished top of the table via a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Kenyans.
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The Mindset: Belgian star and Player of the Tournament Ryan Godsmark attributed their success to a shift in perspective: “We’re fully amateur… we really made it an emphasis for us to have a good time, and that changes everything.”
Final Standings
The top four finishers from the SVNS 2 Series now move up to face the world’s elite in a three-city showdown starting this April.
World Championship Series Qualifiers
Calendar
The qualified teams will join the core world powerhouse nations (such as New Zealand, Fiji, and France) at the following stops:
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Hong Kong – April 17
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Valladolid, Spain – May
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Bordeaux, France – June