Lacrosse returns to the Olympics in 2028. Here's how Sixes works, how it's different, and why backyard players are ready for it.
Updated: April 2026
Sixes is the compact, fast-paced format of lacrosse created by World Lacrosse for the Olympic Games. It's played 6-v-6 on a smaller field (70m x 36m) with a 30-second shot clock, quick restarts, and no specialization — every player plays both offense and defense. The format was designed to be fast, TV-friendly, and accessible to new lacrosse audiences worldwide. Sixes debuted at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, and was confirmed for the LA 2028 Olympics in October 2023.
Updated: February 2026
World Lacrosse published the 2026-2028 Sixes Official Playing Rules (Version 1.0) in February 2026. These rules govern all Sixes competition through the LA 2028 Olympic cycle, including all qualifying events.
Updated: July 16, 2026
The road to LA 2028 runs through three stages of qualification. Six men's and six women's teams will earn Olympic berths across a global pathway running from September 2026 through April 2028.
Third edition of the Pan-American Lacrosse Association Sixes Cup. Haudenosaunee swept both golds: men defeated Puerto Rico 15-12 in the final (5-0 record, Trey Deere 32 pts), women defeated Puerto Rico 16-9 (second straight PALA Sixes Cup title). First international lacrosse tournament held in Puerto Rico. Teams: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Haudenosaunee, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico. Neither USA nor Canada fielded teams. The tournament also highlighted the Haudenosaunee Nationals' continued campaign for Olympic inclusion - World Lacrosse stated it is 'fully committed to collaborating with the IOC and other key stakeholders to find creative solutions' for Haudenosaunee participation at LA 2028, while the IOC maintains that only recognized NOCs can enter Olympic teams.
Canada swept both golds. Men: Canada 16-12 over USA; Haudenosaunee bronze 14-13 over Australia. Women: Canada Red 14-12 over Australia; Canada White bronze 14-8 over Haudenosaunee. 10 men's teams, 8 women's teams from 3 continental federations. Canada remains top-ranked men's sixes program.
Australia won gold (13-3 over Philippines), Japan bronze (9-5 over New Zealand). Top four - Australia, Philippines, Japan, New Zealand - qualified for 2027 World Men's Championship. Australia's first AP title since 2007.
Pro Sixes at the highest level. PLL: Carolina Chaos won 24-16 over California Redwoods - Shane Knobloch (30 pts) won Golden Stick. WLL: New York Charging won 18-11 over California Palms - Izzy Scane (6G) and Madison Doucette (16 saves) led the way; Charlotte North won Golden Stick (22 pts). Austin Kaut set PLL Sixes saves record (84 over 5 games). Proved Sixes format delivers dramatic, high-scoring pro competition. The WLL now launches its inaugural regular season on May 16 in Providence, RI, with four teams playing 8 games plus an All-Star Game (Jul 5, Annapolis) and Championship (Aug 15, Philadelphia).
India won double gold at the Asian Lacrosse Games in Riyadh — the men's team beat Iraq 9-2 in the final (their first appearance at the event), while the women's team beat Pakistan 22-5 for their second consecutive gold after silver in Samarkand. The tournament showcased the rapid growth of lacrosse in Asia, with India's program rooted in Shillong where Bijay Singh Mipun founded the Lacrosse Association of India in 2006. India is now targeting Olympic qualifying through the Asia-Pacific Sixes Championships (Oct 5-10, Sunshine Coast, Australia). The results strengthen the credentials of emerging Asian federations ahead of the Olympic continental qualifier.
Tier 2 continental event for emerging Asian federations. Men's teams: China, Hong Kong China, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia. Women's teams: China, Hong Kong China, Pakistan, Singapore. Malaysia won men's bronze (15-10 over Saudi Arabia) - the country's first-ever Asian lacrosse medal. Results strengthen Malaysia's and Hong Kong's credentials ahead of the Asia-Pacific Sixes Championships (Oct 5-10), the Olympic qualifier.
Youth Sixes tournament (boys and girls, 2035-Varsity divisions) run by PLL Play. Olympic-style 6v6 format for the next generation of players. Coincided with PLL Season 8 opening weekend at the same venue.
The world's first national Sixes lacrosse league completed its sixth season. Forge won the men's title for the third consecutive year with a comeback victory over Rise in the final; Swift won the women's title for the second time, defeating Rise 7-4. The new 'GameChanger' rule — a two-minute period where goals are worth double — added drama throughout the season. Kady Glynn earned Women's Final MVP; Emilie Chandler won back-to-back Goalie MVP. Married couple Hannah and Nathan Hunt became the first couple to win both men's and women's titles at The Fly in the same year. Over 1,100 fans attended in 2025. Players from 10+ nations participate.
Forge won the men's title for the third consecutive year with a comeback victory over Rise in the final. Swift won the women's title for the second time, defeating Rise 7-4. Kady Glynn dominated the women's tournament and earned Women's Final MVP; Emilie Chandler won back-to-back Goalie MVP awards. Nathan Hunt coached Forge to the men's three-peat; his wife Hannah Hunt won the women's title with Swift — the first married couple to win both titles at The Fly in the same year. Over 1,100 fans attended the 2025 edition.
The French national Sixes lacrosse championship playoff weekend was held in Grenoble, with Les Bouquetins de Grenoble among the competing clubs. The championship was revived three years ago after a nearly decade-long hiatus, originally relaunched by two Isère-region clubs (Les Bouquetins de Grenoble and Les Terres Froides du nord-Isère). Part of the growing European Sixes ecosystem building competitive depth ahead of the 2026 European Sixes Championships (Nov 2-18, Salou, Spain) — the Olympic qualifier. Results pending official publication.
Achieve Lacrosse's first-ever XtremeLax SIXES tournament, bringing the Olympic format to youth and high school divisions in Massachusetts. One-day event at Union Point Sports Complex. Adds to the growing grassroots Sixes ecosystem alongside the PLL Utah Sixes Classic and The Fly in England.
British Lacrosse hosts Australia in a special men's international series — five scrimmage games across four days at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. Both nations are preparing for the first round of Olympic qualifying: GB for the European Sixes Championships (Nov 2-18, Salou, Spain) and Australia for the Asia-Pacific Sixes Championships (Oct 5-10, Sunshine Coast). Australia confirmed its men's sixes squad for the series on June 23 (Lacrosse Australia). The series provides crucial international competition as Olympic qualifying ramps up. This is the first GB vs Australia men's international series at Bisham Abbey. The series concluded on July 5, 2026, with five scrimmage games across four days. Official results and match reports are pending publication from England Lacrosse and Lacrosse Australia as of July 5.
Final training camp before the 22-player roster selection for the Pan-American Men's Championship in Kingston, Jamaica (Aug 16-23). Head coach Seth Tierney led over 40 players, including 11 gold medalists from the 2023 World Championship. Six additions on June 4 replaced six unable to participate. Five of the last six Tewaaraton winners were in camp. Roster announcement expected in the coming weeks.
Inaugural women's Division II world championship. Seven emerging programs compete: New Zealand, Korea, Latvia, Spain, South Africa, Netherlands (Pool A); Mexico, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Norway (Pool B). Pool play concluded July 15 after five days. Mexico (5-0) swept Pool B; New Zealand (5-0) swept Pool A. Korea (4-1) clinched the second Pool A playoff spot over Latvia (3-2). Italy (4-1) earned the second Pool B spot. Semifinals — Thursday, July 16: A1 New Zealand vs B2 Italy (4:30 PM CEST, Field 1); B1 Mexico vs A2 Korea (7:00 PM CEST, Field 1). Placement games Friday July 17: Spain vs Poland, Netherlands vs Norway, South Africa vs Switzerland. Medal round Saturday July 18: Bronze at 3:15 PM CEST. Pathway event for the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships — the Olympic qualifying stage for LA 2028.
LA28 officially opened Games-time volunteer applications on July 14 at la28.org, marking two years until the Opening Ceremony. Approximately 60,000 volunteers are needed for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Volunteers must be 18 or older by January 2028 and will be required to commit to at least 10 shifts during the Games. The application process includes a background check and interview. Lacrosse competition at Exposition Park Stadium (BMO Stadium), July 24-29, 2028. AP News, Olympics.com, NBC Sports, and LAist all covered the launch. The IOC also published a story marking two years to go. Fans can sign up at la28.org/en/volunteer.html.
The premier women's lacrosse world championship, featuring the top national teams. Pool draw and full game schedule announced. The U.S. named its 22-player roster on January 15 (head coach Acacia Walker-Weinstein). Six English officials confirmed May 13. The championship is a critical stepping stone for nations building toward LA 2028 Olympic qualification. World Lacrosse will also inaugurate the first Legend Award class (3 women) at this event. The Haudenosaunee Nationals will compete, continuing their campaign for Olympic recognition — an Akwesasne woman from St. Lawrence University is among those representing the Haudenosaunee in Tokyo.
Updated: April 2026
Three weeks to build the core Sixes skills. No field required — just your backyard, a wall, and a stick. Designed for the Skill Stick with tennis, wiffle, or foam balls.
Updated: July 16, 2026
This section grows as the Olympics approach. Most recent first.
After five days of pool play at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship Division II in Wroclaw, Poland, the playoff bracket is set. Day 5 scores (July 15): <strong>Spain 14, Netherlands 9</strong> — Spain improved to 2-3 with a seven-goal closing run; Olivia Docal had 5G/2A and Yolanda Gradillas Goddard added 3G; Kristen Russell named player of the match. <strong>Korea 10, South Africa 7</strong> — Korea improved to 4-1 and clinched the Pool A semifinal spot over Latvia; Phoebe Kim and Helen Bae each had four points; Abigail Cheun named player of the match. <strong>Italy 19, Switzerland 5</strong> — Italy improved to 4-1 and clinched its semifinal berth; Elise Fawcett led with 3G/2A; Haley Mario named player of the match. <strong>Mexico 14, Norway 5</strong> — Mexico completed its Pool B sweep at 5-0; Lola Aguirre Moon had 3G. <strong>New Zealand 14, Latvia 3</strong> — New Zealand finished 5-0 to clinch Pool A; Latvia fell to 3-2 and was eliminated from playoff contention. <strong>Poland 8, Hong Kong China 7 (OT)</strong> — Poland pulled off the tournament's most memorable comeback, overcoming a four-goal fourth-quarter deficit to win in overtime. <strong>Semifinals — Thursday, July 16:</strong> New Zealand vs Italy (4:30 PM CEST) and Mexico vs Korea (7:00 PM CEST). Placement games Friday: Spain vs Poland, Netherlands vs Norway, South Africa vs Switzerland. Medal round Saturday: Bronze at 3:15 PM CEST. Source: World Lacrosse.
Day four at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship Division II in Wroclaw, Poland (July 14, 2026) delivered six pool play games that finalized the playoff picture. Mexico (4-0) and New Zealand (4-0) clinched their pool titles with clutch wins over Italy and Korea respectively. Italy (3-1) secured a semifinal spot. The fourth spot came down to Day 5, where Korea (4-1) ultimately clinched it over Latvia (3-2). Day 4 scores: Italy 6, Mexico 9 (Izzy Szejk 4G, Ashleigh Rothe 3G/1A); Korea 6, New Zealand 8 (Sarah Butler 4 pts, Holly Harris POTM); Hong Kong China 15, Norway 4; Latvia 12, Spain 9; Netherlands 15, South Africa 9; Poland 10, Switzerland 9. Semifinals set for Thursday, July 16: New Zealand vs Italy (4:30 PM CEST) and Mexico vs Korea (7:00 PM CEST). Medal matches Saturday July 18.
The four teams that entered Day 3 unbeaten — New Zealand, Mexico, Korea, and Italy — all won on Monday, July 13 to improve to 3-0 and move within one win of clinching playoff spots at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship Division II in Wroclaw, Poland. Top two in each pool advance to Thursday's semifinals. Day 3 scores: New Zealand 20, South Africa 4 (Pool A — Bolstad 9 draws; Russell 5 GB POTM). Latvia 9, Netherlands 6 (Pool A — Latvia's 7-goal second-half run erased a 3-goal halftime deficit; Naja 12-of-13 on draws; Urbancika 1G/2A POTM). Mexico 9, Switzerland 2 (Pool B — Aguirre Moon and Lima each had hat tricks; Chavez first-half shutout POTM). Poland 11, Norway 5 (Pool B — Poland's 4-0 fourth quarter sealed its first win; Domachowska POTM). Korea 17, Spain 9 (Pool A — Korea erased 2-goal deficit, outscored Spain 12-4 in second half; Kim 1G/4A, Yoo 15 draws POTM). Italy 10, Hong Kong China 4 (Pool B — Hong Kong out-shot Italy but Horning/Masullo combined for 12 saves; van der Steen 4G; Silvano POTM). Two days of pool play remain. While WLWCDII is a full-field event, the Division II pathway feeds into the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships — the Olympic qualifying stage. Source: World Lacrosse.
LA28 officially launched Games-time volunteer applications on July 14 at la28.org, marking exactly two years until the Opening Ceremony of the 2028 Olympic Games. Approximately 60,000 volunteers are needed across Olympic and Paralympic events. Volunteers must be 18 or older by January 2028 and commit to at least 10 shifts during the Games. The application process includes a background check and interview. Roles span competition operations, hospitality, transportation, medical support, and fan experience. Lacrosse competition will be held at Exposition Park Stadium (BMO Stadium), July 24-29, 2028. AP News, Olympics.com, NBC Sports, and LAist all published coverage of the launch. The IOC's Olympics.com site noted this marks the two-year countdown to the Games. Source: AP News, la28.org, Olympics.com.
Paul Rabil, PLL co-founder and commissioner, described the 2028 Olympics as a 'watershed moment' for lacrosse in a Yahoo Sports interview published July 14, 2026. Rabil discussed the PLL's $100 million Series E financing round — the largest in league history — led by Ares, Joe Tsai (Brooklyn Nets owner), Rob McElhenney (Wrexham AFC co-owner), and actor Glen Powell. The capital raise positions the PLL to capitalize on the Olympic spotlight and pursue franchise sales. Rabil emphasized that Olympic inclusion provides a global platform that will accelerate the sport's growth at every level, from grassroots to professional. The raise signals major investor confidence in lacrosse's Olympic future. Source: Yahoo Sports, Sportico, AP News.
NBC Los Angeles published a detailed preview article on July 13 outlining how fans can apply to volunteer at the 2028 LA Olympic and Paralympic Games. LA28 officially opens Games-time volunteer applications on July 14 at la28.org. Approximately 60,000 volunteers will be needed across Olympic and Paralympic events. Volunteers must be 18 or older by January 2028 and will be required to commit to at least 10 shifts during the Games. The application process includes a background check and interview. Lacrosse competition will be held at Exposition Park Stadium (BMO Stadium), July 24-29, 2028. The article notes that volunteer roles span competition operations, hospitality, transportation, medical support, and fan experience. Source: NBC Los Angeles, la28.org.
Four teams remain undefeated after two days of the 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship Division II in Wroclaw, Poland. Korea and Mexico each battled to two-goal wins against Latvia and Hong Kong China respectively — both of whom had won their openers on Day 1. The four unbeaten teams after Day 2 are Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Six matches were played on Day 2 (LAT-KOR, NZL-NED, HKG-MEX, ITA-POL, ESP-RSA, NOR-SUI). The tournament continues through July 18 with pool play, placement games, and medal matches. While this is a full-field event (not Sixes), the Division II pathway feeds into the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships — the Olympic qualifying stage. Source: World Lacrosse.
The first-ever World Lacrosse Women's Championship Division II opened on Saturday, July 11 in Wroclaw, Poland, with six games and six winners. Italy dominated Norway 23-2 in Pool B's opening match. Latvia defeated South Africa 17-4 — South Africa's first-ever appearance at a WLWC. Korea beat the Netherlands 16-5. New Zealand topped Spain 12-5. Hong Kong China defeated Switzerland 11-3. In the day's thriller, Mexico stunned host Poland 10-9 on a last-second goal, sending the home crowd into shock and capping a dramatic opening day. World Lacrosse published a Day 1 recap titled 'Mexico stuns Poland to wrap first day.' The tournament continues through July 18 with pool play, placement games, and medal matches. While this is a full-field event (not Sixes), the Division II pathway feeds into the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships — the Olympic qualifying stage. Source: World Lacrosse.
USA Lacrosse has published its formal Athlete Selection Procedures for the 2028 Olympic Games Women's and Men's Sixes teams, dated June 2026. The document — posted at usalacrosse.com — outlines the complete selection process diagram, athlete registration requirements, evaluation criteria, and timeline for naming the U.S. Olympic Sixes rosters. This follows the preliminary notice issued on December 1, 2025. The publication provides athletes with a clear, formalized pathway to represent Team USA at LA 2028, covering both the men's and women's Sixes programs. The procedures govern how USA Lacrosse will select its Olympic team athletes in coordination with USOPC certification (which was granted on April 15, 2026). Source: USA Lacrosse (PDF document, June 2026).
The Brazilian Lacrosse Confederation (CBL) has launched Olympic tryouts for both men's and women's national teams as part of a multi-phase evaluation process to identify athletes for Brazil's LA28 Olympic Qualification Pathway. The tryouts feed into the 2026 Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championships (PALSC) in Oshawa, Ontario (Sept 29-Oct 4) — the first continental qualifier on the road to LA 2028. Brazil is one of the emerging lacrosse nations seeking to compete for one of the five Pan-American Olympic qualifying slots. The CBL's Olympic tryout page marks a significant step for South American lacrosse, as Brazil joins the continental qualification pathway alongside established programs like Canada, USA, Haudenosaunee, Mexico, and others. Source: Brazilian Lacrosse Confederation.
India's sports ministry has directed all National Sports Federations (NSFs) to submit their Olympic qualification criteria by July 15, 2026, as part of a broader roadmap to LA 2028. The Lacrosse Association of India (LAI) — which swept double gold at the 2026 Asian Lacrosse Games in Riyadh — must submit its qualification pathway documentation ahead of the Asia-Pacific Sixes Championships (Oct 5-10, Sunshine Coast, Australia), India's first Olympic continental qualifier. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the Indian lacrosse teams after their Asian Games success and urged athletes to aim for LA 2028 qualification. India's lacrosse program, rooted in Shillong since 2006, has rapidly emerged as Asia's dominant force but faces a steep challenge against established Sixes programs like Australia, Japan, and New Zealand at the continental qualifier. Source: The Statesman, New Kerala, Sportstar.
July 16: WLWCDII Day 5 results in — playoff bracket set. Semifinals today (Thu July 16): NZL vs ITA (4:30 PM CEST) and MEX vs KOR (7:00 PM CEST). Korea clinched final spot over Latvia. Medal round Saturday July 18.
Make your picks and track tournament brackets live with our interactive bracket predictor tool.
Olympic Sixes Bracket + PicksUpdated: July 13, 2026
When does lacrosse return to the Olympics?
Lacrosse returns to the Olympic Games at LA 2028 in Los Angeles. The IOC confirmed lacrosse's inclusion in October 2023. It will be the first Olympic lacrosse competition since 1908 for men and the first-ever Olympic women's lacrosse competition. Six men's and six women's teams will compete in the Sixes format.
What is the Sixes format?
Sixes is a compact 6-v-6 lacrosse format on a 70m x 36m field with 30-second shot clock, 8-minute quarters, and no specialization. It was created by World Lacrosse specifically for the Olympics to be fast, TV-friendly, and accessible. All field players use short sticks (no long poles).
How do teams qualify for LA 2028?
Qualification runs through three stages: (1) Continental Sixes Championships in late 2026 (Pan-American, Asia-Pacific, European, African), (2) World Lacrosse Sixes Championships in late 2027, and (3) a Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament in March/April 2028. Six men's and six women's teams earn Olympic berths. The U.S. as host nation receives an automatic berth if it participates in qualifying.
Will the Haudenosaunee Nationals compete in the Olympics?
The Haudenosaunee Nationals' Olympic participation remains unresolved. World Lacrosse has stated it is 'fully committed to collaborating with the IOC and other key stakeholders to find creative solutions' for Haudenosaunee participation at LA 2028. The IOC maintains that only recognized National Olympic Committees can enter Olympic teams. The Haudenosaunee swept both golds at the 2025 PALA Sixes Cup and won bronze in both divisions at the 2025 Super Sixes, demonstrating competitive eligibility.
Where will Olympic lacrosse be played in LA?
Lacrosse competition will be held at Exposition Park Stadium (BMO Stadium) in Los Angeles, July 24-29, 2028. The venue is part of the Exposition Park sports complex in downtown LA.
Can I volunteer for the LA 2028 Olympics?
Yes. LA28 officially opened Games-time volunteer applications on July 14, 2026, at la28.org. Approximately 60,000 volunteers are needed for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Volunteers must be 18 or older by January 2028 and commit to at least 10 shifts during the Games.
What rules govern Sixes lacrosse?
World Lacrosse published the 2026-2028 Sixes Official Playing Rules (Version 1.0) in February 2026. These rules govern all Sixes competition through the LA 2028 Olympic cycle. Key features: 6v6, 8-minute running quarters, 30-second shot clock, no offside, short sticks only, goalkeeper restarts after goals.
How is Sixes different from regular lacrosse?
Sixes is faster and more compact: smaller field, fewer players, no specialization (everyone plays both ends), no long poles, shot clock on every possession, and quick goalkeeper restarts after goals instead of faceoffs. The format was designed for TV and new audiences — games last about 32 minutes total.
What is the Pan-American Men's Lacrosse Championship?
The 2026 Pan-American Men's Lacrosse Championship (August 16-23, Kingston, Jamaica) is a continental qualifier. Top finishers advance to the 2027 World Men's Championship. USA Men's National Team held its final training camp June 7-9 in Charlotte before roster selection.
Sixes lacrosse is built for speed, skill, and small spaces. The Skill Stick is built for the same. Train with tennis, wiffle, or foam balls in your backyard and master the quick-release shooting, off-hand skills, and ground ball aggression that Sixes demands. No field required.
Shop the Skill StickLast updated: 2026-04-19 · v1.0