The 2026 U20 World Championships will take place in Bratislava, Slovakia, from August 16-23. This tournament will feature international wrestling's future stars and will be streamed live on FloWrestling, with the men's freestyle portion of the event taking place from August 20-23. Check out the article below for a full breakdown and predictions for Team USA at this year's U20 Worlds.

Team USA's last 10 U20 Worlds Performances

• 2025 - First Place, 185 points. 7 medals: 4 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
• 2024 - First Place,175 points. 9 medals: 1 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze
• 2023 - Second Place, 152 points. 8 medals: 2 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze
• 2022 - Second Place, 132 points. 4 medals: 2 gold, 2 silver
• 2021 - Third Place, 129 points. 5 medals: 3 gold, 2 bronze
• 2019 - Second Place, 120 points. 6 medals: 2 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze
• 2018 - Second Place, 113 points. 5 medals: 1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze
• 2017 - First Place, 68 points. 7 medals: 3 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze
• 2016 - Fifth Place, 36 points. 3 medals: 2 gold, 1 bronze
• 2015 - Fourth Place, 40 points. 4 medals: 1 gold, 3 bronze

57kg: Isaiah Cortez - DNP

57 kg Entries

• Sasha Petrosyan (ARM) - 2023 U17 World Bronze at 51 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 57 kg
• Muhammad Ismayilov (AZE) - 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 57 kg
• Matsvei Sytsevich (BLR)
• Nik Ignatov Doychinov (BUL)
• Chengtao Wang (CHN)
• Dunia Sibomana (COD)
• Gaspard Cheynoux (FRA)
• Danoush Jowkar (GBR)
• Giorgi Maisuradze (GEO)
• Isaac Wong (HKG)
• Karoly Barath (HUN)
• Rupesh (IND)
• Arman Elahi (IRI)
• Yamato Ogawa (JPN) - 2026 Senior World Team Rep for Japan at 57 kg
• Nurassyl Assambek (KAZ)
• Nurtilek Zamirbekov (KGZ)
• Catalin Curecheri (MDA)
• Naran Barkhas (MGL)
• Raiden Hobson (PLW)
• Pavlo Ilnytskyi (POL)
• Nathaniel Lyttle (PUR) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Silver at 57 kg
• Magomed Magomedov (RUS)
• Patrik Vetrak (SVK)
• Ebubekir Gur (TUR) - 2023 U17 World Bronze at 45 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Silver at 57 kg
• Abbas Huseinov (UKR)
• Isaiah Cortez (USA)
• Ulugbek Rashidov (UZB) - 2024 U17 World Champ at 48 kg, 2026 U20 Asian Gold at 57 kg

I was really impressed with Isaiah Cortez at the US Open and U20 World Team Trials. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him win a medal, but the depth of the field at 57 kg is what’s keeping me from seeing Cortez on the podium. Magomed Magomedov, Yamato Ogawa, and Ulugbek Rashidov are the biggest gold medal threats and will make it challenging for Cortez to navigate his way to a medal match. Of that group, it’s notable that Magomed Magomedov defeated Magomed Ozdamirov, who was the U20 world champ last year at 57 kg. There’s a ton of talent in this field, and I expect a really entertaining bracket from this group of wrestlers.

Full 57 kg Predictions

• Gold - Magomed Magomedov, RUS
• Silver - Yamato Ogawa, JPN
• Bronze - Ulugbek Rashidov, UZB
• Bronze - Sasha Petrosyan, ARM

61kg: Aaron Seidel - Gold

61 kg Entries

• Gagik Ghazaryan (ARM) - 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 61 kg
• Kristian Cikel (AUT)
• Jamal Abbasov (AZE) - 2023 U17 World Bronze at 60 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Silver at 61 kg
• Erdal Galip (BUL)
• Anchao Lu (CHN)
• Heritier Muaya (COD)
• Zeyad Hassaneinn (EGY)
• Nikoloz Khvedelidze (GEO)
• Eliah Lucyga (GER)
• Mayank (IND)
• Ahora Khateri (IRI) - 2025 U20 World Silver at 61 kg, 2023 U17 World Gold at 45 kg
• Itsuki Yonashiro (JPN)
• Bekassyl Assambek (KAZ) - 2025 U17 World Bronze at 60 kg, 2026 U20 Asian Gold at 61 kg
• Amir Rifov (KGZ)
• Marcel Andronache (MDA)
• Moses Mendoza (MEX) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Bronze at 61 kg
• Dulguun Enkhbaatar (MGL)
• Frederick Bachmann (PUR) - 2024 U17 World Bronze at 51 kg, 2023 U17 World Bronze at 48 kg
• Zelimkhan Chaniev (RUS)
• Azatberdi Ashyrgulyyev (TKM)
• Nurettin Kapal (TUR) - 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 61 kg
• Artem Tisnohuz (UKR)
• Aaron Seidel (USA)
• Fakhriddin Nasriddinov (UZB) - 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 61 kg

Aaron Seidel made a huge statement at the U20 Trials and senior World Team Trials, giving me the confidence to pick him to win gold in a deep bracket. I honestly think Seidel is one of the top 20 61 kg wrestlers in the world, and his 15-4 tech over Austin DeSanto proved that. Seidel will certainly be challenged by Zelimkhan Chaniev, Ahora Khateri, Jamal Abbasov, Bekassyl Assambek, Moses Mendoza, and Fred Bachmann. 

Full 61 kg Predictions

• Gold - Aaron Seidel, USA
• Silver - Zelimkhan Chaniev, RUS
• Bronze - Ahora Khateri, IRI
• Bronze - Jamal Abbasov, AZE

65kg: Bo Bassett - GOLD

65 kg Entries

• Aren Hayrapetyan (ARM) - 2026 U20 Euro Silver at 65 kg
• Bilal Cetin (AUS)
• Bashir Verdiyev (AZE) - 2022 U17 World Silver at 45 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 65 kg
• Aleksandar Delchev (BUL)
• Karson Brown (CAN)
• Chenqi Song (CHN)
• Khizir Dasiyev (FRA) - 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 65 kg
• Mate Nadiradze (GEO)
• Mozes Laszlo (HUN)
• Rohit Kumar (IND) - 2023 U17 World Silver at 51 kg
• Aliasghar Tathashtikeh (IRI)
• Takuto Osedo (JPN)
• Yeraly Askerbek (KAZ)
• Isa Isakov (KGZ) - 2026 U20 Asian Gold at 65 kg
• Kanghyun Go (KOR)
• Abdullatif Albakri (KSA)
• Maxim Dimov (MDA) - 2026 U20 Euro Gold at 65 kg
• Fernando Perez (MEX) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Silver at 65 kg
• Amanbyek Myervyet (MGL)
• Ivan Oksiuk (POL)
• Yandel Morales (PUR) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Bronze at 65 kg
• Tamaterai Herve (PYF)
• Zalimkhan Umarov (RUS)
• Haci Zade (TUR)
• Viktor Borohan (UKR)
• Bowen Bassett (USA) - 2024 U20 World Bronze, 2021 U17 World Gold at 45 kg, 2026 U20 Pan-Am Gold at 65 kg
• Sanjarbek Anvarbekov (UZB) - 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 65 kg

No one in the 65 kg field has the senior-level results that Bassett does. It’s also worth noting that Bassett was just one match away from making the U20 world team last year after losing in a best-of-three series to eventual U20 world champ Luke Stanich. A year later, Bassett has made significant improvements, and I think that will result in Team USA winning gold again at 65 kg. 

Full 65 kg Predictions

• Gold - Bo Bassett, USA
• Silver - Zalimkhan Umarov, RUS
• Bronze - Bashir Verdiyev, AZE
• Bronze - Maxim Dimov, MDA

70kg: Landon Robideau - SILVER

70 kg Entries

• Walid Ben Zamime (ALG)
• Davit Davtyan (ARM)
• Haji Karimov (AZE) - 2026 U20 Euro Gold at 70 kg
• Vladislav Seizov (BUL)
• Ryan Dahcha (CAN) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Silver at 70 kg
• Xin Wang (CHN)
• Miscael Nkunga (COD)
• Mohamed Ahmed (EGY)
• Bayssangour Bitmurzaev (FRA) - 2026 U20 Euro Silver at 70 kg
• Zurab Abalaki (GEO)
• Ahmad Arszunkaev (HUN)
• Sumit Bharaskar (IND) - 2026 U20 Asian Gold at 70 kg
• Sina Khalili (IRI) - 2023 U17 World Gold at 65 kg, 2025 U23 World Silver at 70 kg
• Takuro Matsubara (JPN)
• Sungkar Seidakhmet (KAZ) - 2026 U20 Asian Silver at 70 kg
• Zalkarbek Tabaldiev (KGZ) - 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 70 kg
• Ionut Triboi (MDA) - 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 70 kg
• Gabriel Sanchez (MEX)
• Ankh Altangerel (MGL)
• Muhamed Veseli (MKD)
• Victor Soto (PUR)
• Mairbek Merov (RUS)
• Dominik Zavacky (SVK)
• Remzi Temur (TUR)
• Emrakh Hashymov (UKR)
• Landon Robideau (USA)

Can Landon Robideau win this tournament? Yes! However, I’m not ready to pick him over Iran’s Sina Khalili at this point. Khalili won silver at U23 Worlds last year, is a U17 world champion (2023), and has several high-level victories on the senior level. Khalili’s senior-level hitlist includes victories over Akaki Kemertelidze (who beat James Green), Abhimanyou Mandwal, Alexandr Gaidarli, Maiis Aliyev (who beat Ridge Lovett), and Tulga Tumur-Ochir. 

Full 70 kg Predictions

• Gold - Sina Khalili, IRI
• Silver - Landon Robideau, USA
• Bronze - Haji Karimov, AZE
• Bronze - Sumit Bharaskar, IND

74kg: Jayden James - GOLD

74 kg Entries

• Vladimir Azaryan (ARM)
• Ismayil Rahimli (AZE)
• Artsiom Bolsun (BLR)
• Tao Shen (CHN)
• Kevin Aleman (ESA)
• Abdoullah Nakaev (FRA)
• Koba Goguadze (GEO)
• Manuel Wagin (GER) - 2023 U17 World Bronze at 65 kg, 2025 U23 World Bronze at 74 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Gold at 74 kg
• Mate Varga (HUN)
• Adarsh Patil (IND) - 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 74 kg
• Mohammad Mamivand (IRI) - 2026 U20 Asian Silver at 74 kg
• Alessio Perentin (ITA)
• Ariya Yoshida (JPN)
• Nurdaulet Seilbekov (KAZ) - 2023 U17 World Bronze at 71 kg, 2026 U20 Asian Gold at 74 kg
• Baiyt Abdysamatov (KGZ)
• Catalin Spinu (MDA)
• Rafael Garcia (PUR) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Bronze at 74 kg
• Islam Kazharov (RUS) - 2023 U17 World Bronze at 71 kg
• Umut Uslu (TUR) - 2024 U17 World Bronze at 65 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 74 kg
• Ivan Zalisko (UKR)
• Jayden James (USA) - 2025 U17 World Gold at 71 kg
• Farrukhbek Jumanazarov (UZB) - 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 74 kg

Jayden James had an incredible Spring/Summer by recording wins over Dee Lockett, Michael Caliendo (8-3), Joe Sealey (10-0), and Quincy Monday (by pin). Beyond that, James BARELY lost to David Carr in the world team trials finals (9-7). Germany’s Manuel Wagin is the biggest threat to James in this bracket. Wagin has a hitlist that includes victories over Magomed Baitukaev, Ismail Khaniev, and Melvin Miller. However, it is notable that Wagin lost to Lockett at last year’s U20 Worlds in a close, 8-5 match. 

Full 74 kg Predictions

• Gold - Jayden James, USA
• Silver - Manuel Wagin, GER
• Bronze - Mohammad Mamivand, IRI
• Bronze - Islam Kazharov, RUS

79kg: Ryan Burton - BRONZE

79 kg Entries

• Narek Nikoghosyan (ARM) - 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 79 kg
• Eljan Ismayilzada (AZE)
• Aliaksei Kuryla (BLR)
• Loki Bigras (CAN) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Silver at 79 kg
• Yesikeer Nuerheisha (CHN)
• Tristan Aleksandrov (EST)
• Luka Margvelidze (GEO)
• Felix Schmitt (GER)
• Arnold Takacs (HUN)
• Saurabh Yadav (IND) - 2026 U20 Asian Silver at 79 kg
• Sobhan Esmi (IRI) - 2026 U20 Asian Gold at 79 kg
• Daniel Simonian (ISR)
• Keyvan Gharehdaghi (JPN) - 2026 Senior Asian Gold at 79 kg
• Aibek Kalyakhmet (KAZ) - 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 79 kg
• Khamza Abdullaev (KGZ)
• Adrian Flocea (MDA)
• Trim Ismaili (MKD)
• Slade Shadowshot (RSA)
• Ismail Khaniev (RUS) - 2025 U20 World Gold at 74 kg
• Jaroslav Zaremba (SVK)
• Yasin Uzun (TUR) - 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 79 kg
• Bohdan Oleksiienko (UKR) - 2026 U20 Euro Silver at 79 kg
• Ryan Burton (USA) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Gold at 79 kg

I think Burton is awesome, but my prediction of him winning bronze has more to do with the depth of this field. Ismail Khaniev is currently ranked #2 in the world at 79 kg and just made Russia’s world team by winning Russian Nationals. Similarly, Japan’s Keyvan Gharehdaghi is currently ranked #5 at 79 kg and recently defeated 2024 74 kg Olympic champ Razambek Zhamalov. With the right draw, Burton can find his way to the finals, but it’ll be tough if he’s on the same side as Khaniev and Gharehdaghi.

Full 79 kg Predictions

• Gold - Ismail Khaniev, RUS
• Silver - Keyvan Gharehdaghi, JPN
• Bronze - Ryan Burton, USA
• Bronze - Sobhan Esmi, IRI

86kg: Aeoden Sinclar - GOLD

86 kg Entries

• Razmik Yepremyan (ARM) - 2022 U17 World Bronze at 71 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Silver at 86 kg
• Mahammad Abaszada (AZE) - 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 86 kg
• Alan Tigiev (BUL)
• Tejvir Dhinsa (CAN) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Silver at 86 kg
• Bolati Na Ertai (CHN)
• Jordy Ngatse (COD)
• Yahia Eliwa (EGY)
• Nikolai Tarassov (EST)
• Dachi Papinashvili (GEO)
• Arun (IND)
• Abolfazl Shamsipour (IRI) - 2026 U20 Asian Gold at 86 kg
• Tomer Drozhniak (ISR)
• Natsura Okazawa (JPN)
• Askhab Khajiyev (KAZ) - 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 86 kg
• Samidullo Alimzhanov (KGZ)
• Sergiu Fluieraru (MDA)
• Bilguundalai Purevdagva (MGL)
• Kane Rosario (PUR)
• Magor Lorincz (ROU)
• Akhmad Mukutov (RUS)
• Nick Scherrer (SUI)
• Nikolaj Szilagyi (SVK)
• Alp Arslan Begenjov (TKM) - 2024 U20 World Gold at 79 kg, 2026 U20 Asian Silver at 86 kg
• Sefa Cesur (TUR)
• Samir Ibishov (UKR)
• Aeoden Sinclair (USA)

Aeoden Sinclair almost made U20 world teams the past two years but lost in match 3 of the WTT finals to Josh Barr (2024) and Max McEnelly (2025). Barr would go on to take silver at U20 Worlds while McEnelly won gold last year. That’s proof alone that Sinclair has been so close to being the best U20 wrestler in the world at 86 kg for the past two years. I think Sinclair will win gold this year, but it won’t be easy considering the field will contain Al Arslan Begenjov, Akhmad Mukutov, and Abolfazl Shamsipour.

Full 86 kg Predictions

• Gold - Aeoden Sinclair, USA
• Silver - Abolfazl Shamsipour, IRI
• Bronze - Alp Arslan Begenjov, TKM
• Bronze - Akhmad Mukutov, RUS

92kg: Jimmy Mastny - DNP

92 kg Entries

• Huseyn Mammadtaghizada (AZE)
• Aliaksei Kulakou (BLR)
• Grigor Chernakov (BUL)
• Udaypartap Billen (CAN)
• Bie Erlan (CHN)
• Sandro Kurashvili (GEO) - 2023 U17 World Gold at 92 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 92 kg
• Abdurrahim Sekmen (GER)
• Youssef Soliman (HUN)
• Nikhil (IND) - 2022 U17 World Bronze at 60 kg
• Abolfazl Rahmani (IRI) - 2025 U20 World Bronze at 86 kg, 2025 U23 World Bronze at 86 kg
• Hisashi Konishi (JPN)
• Beibarys Yergali (KAZ) - 2026 U20 Asian Silver at 92 kg
• Osmonbek Zhylkybaev (KGZ)
• Alexandru Bors (MDA) - 2023 U17 World Silver at 80 kg, 2022 U17 World Bronze at 80 kg
• Darius Sas (ROU) - 2024 U17 World Bronze at 86 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 92 kg
• Artur Togoev (RUS) - 2026 U20 Euro Gold at 92 kg
• Jacek Fudalej (SUI)
• Dovletgeldi Myradov (TKM) - 2026 U20 Asian Gold at 92 kg
• Eyyup Cetin (TUR) -  2023 U17 World Silver at 92 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Silver at 92 kg
• Yehor Horokh (UKR)
• James Mastny (USA) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Gold at 92 kg
• Ulugbek Ortikov (UZB) - 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 92 kg

Similar to 57 kg, the field at 92 kg is deep with high-level talent, and that makes it tough for me to predict a medal for Mastny. There are SIX past age-level world medalists in this bracket, displaying just how tough it will be. Iran’s Abolfazl Rahmani and Russia’s Artur Togoev are the top contenders here, and Mastny will likely need the right draw to wrestle in a medal match.

Full 92 kg Predictions

• Gold - Abolfazl Rahmani, IRI
• Silver - Artur Togoev, RUS
• Bronze - Sandro Kurashvili, GEO
• Bronze - Alexandru Bors, MDA

97kg: Michael Boyle - BRONZE

97 kg Entries

• Farhad Suleymanli (AZE) - 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 97 kg
• Aliaksei Khadunou (BLR)
• Valentin Borisov (BUL)
• Harjot Shergill (CAN) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Silver at 97 kg
• Yuanchong Yang (CHN) - 2026 U20 Asian Gold at 97 kg
• Joona Junnila (FIN)
• Ashab Dadaev (FRA) - 2026 U20 Euro Silver at 97 kg
• Konstantine Petriashvili (GEO) - 2025 U20 World Bronze at 97 kg, 2024 U17 World Gold at 92 kg, 2023 U17 World Bronze at 80 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Gold at 97 kg
• Nikolaos Karavanos (GRE)
• Robert Erdelyi (HUN)
• Lacky (IND) - 2025 U17 World Silver at 110 kg, 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 97 kg
• Toohid Noory (IRI) - 2023 U17 World Bronze at 92 kg
• Noah Leibowitz (JPN)
• Samir Dursunov (KAZ) - 2023 U17 World Bronze at 92 kg, 2026 U20 Asian Silver at 97 kg
• Al Baro Akhmetov (KGZ)
• Alexei Usanov (MDA)
• Ilija Atanasov (MKD)
• Balazs Lorincz (ROU)
• Rodion Sanakoev (RUS) - 2024 U17 World Silver at 92 kg
• Adam Kosc (SVK)
• Suleyman Riza (TUR)
• Vladyslav Veretilnyi (UKR)
• Michael Boyle (USA) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Gold at 97 kg

Michael Boyle blitzed his way to the U20 world team by going a combined 12-0 with 10 techs and 1 pin at the US Open and U20 World Team Trials. His only match that went six minutes was an 11-2 decision! Boyle should be challenged a little more at U20 Worlds in a bracket that includes five past age-level world medalists. I'm really excited to watch Boyle against this field and see him tested against wrestlers like Petriashvili and Sanakoev. Boyle's potential is unlimited, but I'm not ready to pick him to win gold at this point. 

Full 97 kg Predictions

• Gold - Konstantine Petriashvili, GEO
• Silver - Rodion Sanakoev, RUS
• Bronze - Michael Boyle, USA
• Bronze - Toohid Noory, IRI

125kg: Dreshaun Ross - SILVER

125 kg Entries

• Henrik Haykyan (ARM) - 2023 U17 World Bronze at 110 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Bronze at 125 kg
• Yusif Dursunov (AZE) - 2023 U17 World Gold at 110 kg, 2021 U17 World Bronze at 92 kg, 2026 U20 Euro Gold at 125 kg
• Yaraslau Kokhan (BLR)
• Dian Manev (BUL)
• Jagroop Dhinsa (CAN) - 2026 U20 Pan-Am Silver at 125 kg
• Chenghan Yang (CHN)
• Youssef Aboudawaba (EGY)
• Aleksandre Abramishvili (GEO)
• Daniel Szilagyi (HUN)
• Ronak (IND) - 2026 U20 Asian Silver at 125 kg
• Abolfazl Mohammad Nezhad (IRI) - 2025 U20 World Silver at 125 kg, 2025 U23 World Gold at 125 kg, 2024 U17 World Bronze at 110 kg, 2026 U20 Asian Gold at 125 kg
• Hosei Fujita (JPN)
• Riza Izakhar (KAZ)
• Baejoon Jang (KOR) - 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 125 kg
• Narantulga Darmaabazar (MGL) - 2026 U20 Asian Bronze at 125 kg
• Brian Techerean (ROU)
• Soslan Gabuev (RUS) - 2026 U20 Euro Silver at 125 kg
• Rusen Guler (TUR)
• Ruslan Prokopov (UKR)
• Dreshaun Ross (USA)

I'm as high on Dreshuan Ross as anyone. In fact, he might be my pick to win an NCAA title this year. However, Iran's Abolfazl Mohammad Nezhad is a returning U20 world silver medalist and dominated his way to a U23 World Title last year. Nezhad wrestles a similar style to Coby Merrill (who notably beat Ross twice this spring), but Nezhad might be even better at controlling center and definitely has more neutral offense. Ross can win gold, but he'll likely have to defeat Nezhad to do it.

Full 125 kg Predictions

• Gold - Abolfazl Mohammad Nezhad, IRI
• Silver - Dreshaun Ross, USA
• Bronze - Yusif Dursunov, AZE
• Bronze - Henrik Haykyan, ARM

Team Prediction - GOLD

I have Team USA winning 8 total medals - 4 golds, 2 silvers, and 2 bronze. What's remarkable is I've also predicted Russia and Iran to earn 8 medals - Russia with 1 gold, 4 silvers, and 3 bronze, and Iran with 3 golds, 1 silver, and 4 bronze. When evaluating talent among the top teams, I feel Team USA has more "sure things" than Iran and Russia, and because of that reason, I think Team USA will win the team title for the third year in a row. Because there's no seeding at U20 Worlds, random draw will be incredibly important at every weight. Regardless of how things play out, this year has the potential to be one of the best team races ever at the U20 World Championships!