The road to the XIII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship began at the National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida, where the United States, Guatemala and Mexico competed in the Zone A Playoffs from April 29 to May 3 for a spot in the prestigious 10- to 14-goal international event.
After Mexico (Carlos “Carlitos” Gracida Jr., Alejandro González Keil, Mariano “Nano” Gracida, Andrés González Keil) and USA (Quinn Evans, Cody Ellis*, Steve Krueger,* Jason Wates) both defeated Guatemala (Gabriel Neutze, Nicholas Neutze, Antonio Aycinena, Enrique Neutze) in the first two games of the tournament, the Zone A qualifier came down to a winner-take-all match Sunday, May 3, on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One. Despite heavy rain, the patriotic atmosphere helped lift the home team as the red, white and blue stayed composed through a physical match to earn a 6-4 victory.
In a competitive first half, Evans and Krueger led the scoring for USA, but Mexico built an early advantage, leading 3-2 at the break. Emerging strong in the third chukker, Back-to-back goals from Ellis and Krueger briefly gave USA in the lead, before a Penalty 3 from Carlos “Carlitos” Gracida Jr. tied the match 4-all. Answering for the stars and stripes, Krueger scored the go-ahead goal and later added a conversion to seal the win and send the United States through to the XIII FIP World Polo Championship.
The XIII FIP World Polo Championship is currently pending official confirmation of its host location and dates. The tournament is now expected to take place in early 2027, with further details to be announced.
Team captain Steve Krueger, who led USA with four goals against Mexico, was named Most Valuable Player. Best Playing Pony was presented to Corona, owned by Gonzalo Teves and played by Cody Ellis in the second and fourth chukkers. Jason Wates received the Sportsmanship Award for his continued positive attitude, fairness and support of his peers throughout the tournament.
The tournament’s 11 horse providers included Marcelo Cabeza, Alejandro Caro, Omar Cepeda, Pablo Dorignac, Valentino Echezarreta, Nicolas Eurnekian, Pablo Falabella, La Fe (Pamela Devaleix), Jose Lascano, Fernando Maciel and Gonzalo Teves. A Best Playing Pony was awarded in each game of the XIII FIP World Polo Championship Zone A Playoffs, recognizing the quality of horses presented throughout the event. Rosita, owned by Echezarreta and Destacado, owned by La Fe, received the honors.
Next on the international schedule, Steve Krueger, Alan Martinez, Cody Ellis and Matias “Colo” Gonzalez are set to represent the United States in the Nedbank International in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday, May 16.
The XIII FIP World Polo Championship Zone A Playoffs are available on-demand on the USPA Polo Network at watch.uspolo.org and across major streaming platforms for Premium Subscribers and USPA Member Free Core Subscribers.
*Steve Krueger and Cody Ellis are Team USPA alumni. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.
PHOTO CREDIT: ©David Lominska (@lominska)