This year’s field of six teams was divided by random draw into two brackets, Zone A, consisting of Chile, Pakistan, and England, and Zone B, consisting of Argentina, USA and Brazil. In the FIP World Polo Championship, each team plays the other two in its bracket and the two teams with the best records from each bracket will advance to a single-elimination semi-final round, followed by the semi-final winners playing a single match for the world championship.
The United States will play its first round games on Wednesday, March 25 against Argentina and Thursday, March 26 against Brazil. The semi-finals will be played on Saturday, March 28 and the final will be played on Sunday, March 29.
“Our team played very well in the FIP Zone A playoffs. Their fine polo skills, teamwork, horsemanship, and sportsmanship are what earned us the opportunity to compete for international polo’s top honor,” said Joel Baker, Head Coach of Team USPA. “Without a doubt, the competition in Chile will be the hardest we will face as a team, and I know we are prepared for and looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
The FIP World Polo Championship is played every three or four years and was inaugurated in 1987. The United States has qualified for the final round of the tournament six out of the nine times it has been held, winning fourth place in 1992 and 1998 and winning the championship in 1989. The United States qualified for the 2015 final round in Chile by winning the FIP Zone A playoffs, going undefeated against regional rivals Canada, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.
“Coach Baker has put together a fantastic young team that will be sure to hold its own against the world’s toughest competition and will represent their country in a fine manner,” said Peter Rizzo, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Polo Association. “On behalf of the entire membership of the United States Polo Association I wish our team all the best as they seek to become world champion in our historic 125th anniversary year. Go Team USPA!”
