USA Wheelchair Rugby is headed to the gold medal match after edging Japan 50-49 in a thrilling semifinal at the 2026 WWR World Championships. The victory over the reigning Paralympic champion sends the U.S. into tomorrow’s final and marks a major statement performance for a team that has steadily built momentum throughout the week. Chuck Aoki (Minneapolis, Minnesota) helped lead the American effort with 29 trys, while Alex Pabon (Guayama, Puerto Rico) was recognized by World Wheelchair Rugby as Player of the Match.
Japan set the tone early, playing with the precision and discipline that have made them one of the world’s most respected teams. Japan controlled much of the opening quarter and built a three-try advantage by the end of the first. Rather than allow the early deficit to define the match, the U.S. responded with urgency in the second quarter, increasing its defensive pressure, forcing key turnovers and denying scores in the key. Japan maintained a narrow one-try lead at halftime, but the Americans had shifted the energy and kept themselves within striking distance.
The second half became a test of composure. The teams traded momentum throughout the third quarter, with neither side able to fully separate. As the final minutes ticked away, the U.S. continued to stay connected defensively and patient offensively. With the match still hanging in the balance, the Americans finally broke through, capitalizing on late turnovers to take their first lead of the game. From there, the U.S. defense held strong, closing out the final possessions and securing the 50-49 win.
Head Coach Joe Delagrave said the win reflected the preparation and belief the team has built long before arriving at Worlds. “We respect Japan big time,” said Delagrave. “We have spent a lot of time talking about how, if we do well, we are going to see them in a semifinal or a final. I think that preparation helped keep everyone calm, and that’s something I was really proud of. Today, and throughout the tournament, we have followed our game planning. I am proud of our entire team.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s final, Delagrave emphasized the team’s shared commitment and trust in its process. “I think this team is incredibly special because of the buy-in they have and the belief they have in each other,” he said. “They are process-focused, and that has a lot to do with what we have been talking about and what our Mental Performance Provider, Meg, has been talking about for years now. It’s real, and it’s authentic.”
The gold medal match is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, August 23. Follow along for scores, highlights, and updates, and watch the match on Peacock.