Quang Duong Shines, but Vietnam Fall Short Against the United States in Pickleball World Cup Final

Vietnam came close to igniting a home crowd's biggest moment when Quang Duong sparked a six-point run in the third set. But the United States recovered and completed a 4-0 victory in the Open Team final of the 2026 Heineken Pickleball World Cup.

The final took place on the evening of Sept. 6 at Tien Son Sports Palace in Da Nang. Organizers moved the match one hour earlier than scheduled, yet the venue still filled with supporters creating a fervent atmosphere for both teams.

The United States, widely regarded in the article as pickleball's birthplace, fielded a strong lineup despite missing several leading players. Jack Munro was among its top international performers. The American team won the four sets 21-17, 21-10, 21-16 and 21-14.

Vietnam's players, including Ly Hoang Nam, Quang Duong, Ken Tam and Si Boi Ngoc, fought hard against the stronger side. The crowd briefly erupted when Vietnam surged in the third set, but the United States regained control and closed out the match.

The result gave the United States the title and Vietnam the runner-up position. The silver medal was described as a historic milestone for Vietnamese pickleball. Vietnam had remained unbeaten in the group stage, defeated strong teams including South Africa, the Netherlands and Australia, and beat Japan 4-0 in the semifinal.