Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Following a World Aquatics Bureau meeting, new concepts to increase athlete opportunities will be trialed at the 2026 swimming events, including the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup Silk Road Tour and the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Beijing.
The trial will expand the number of lanes in semi-finals and finals for individual events up to 400 meters from eight to ten, allowing more swimmers from diverse Member Federations to compete at these stages. This change aims to enhance competitiveness and excitement. Relays and longer distance races will continue using eight lanes during the trial.
A new wild card system will also be tested at the Silk Road Tour, enabling swimmers who compete in all three tour stops and achieve an A standard time to earn a wild card entry. Each Member Federation may have up to three additional wild card swimmers at the 2026 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m).
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam stated that these initiatives are designed to widen representation and provide more opportunities for swimmers worldwide to compete and excel at the highest level.
Further details about the wild card system will be shared with athletes and Member Federations soon.