The 2026 U23 World Championships will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from October 12-18. This event will feature the future stars of international wrestling and will be streamed live on FloWrestling. The freestyle portion of this event goes down October 16-18. Before the action takes place, check out the article below for a full preview with predictions for what to expect for Team USA’s men’s freestyle squad.
57 kg: Luke Lilledahl - Gold
57 kg Contenders
- Vasif Baghirov, AZE - 2025 U20 World Bronze, 2022 U17 World Gold
- Rohit, IND - 2023 U17 World Silver
- Ali Yahyapour, IRI
- Daito Katsume, JPN
- Merey Bazarbaev, KAZ - 2022 U20 World Silver
- Magomed Saliakh Ozdamirov, RUS - 2025 U20 World Gold
Luke Lilledahl is the reigning 57 kg U23 World Champion and should be considered the favorite to win again in Las Vegas. Baghirov, Rohit, Bazarbaev, Yahyapour, and Ozdamirov will all present legitimate challenges for Lilledahl. Of that group, I think Ozdamirov will be the toughest test for Lilledahl. Ozdamirov won U20 Worlds last year and has a unique style that combines creativity in both potent offense and elusive defense. Lilledahl will certainly have to be at his best to defeat Ozdamirov and the other contenders at this weight. Still, I believe Lilledahl will come out on top and win gold. He’s proven to be one of the best 57 kg wrestlers in the world in his victories over Spencer Lee, Darian Cruz, Islam Bazarganov, Milad Valizadeh, Rahul, Lev Pavlov, and several other high-level freestyle wrestlers.
Full 57 kg Predictions
Gold: Luke Lilledahl, USA
Silver: Magomed Saliakh Ozdamirov, RUS
Bronze: Merey Bazarbaev, KAZ
Bronze: Daito Katsume, JPN
Luke Lilledahl's win in the finals of the 2025 U23 World Championships:
61 kg: Ben Davino - Gold
61 kg Contenders
- Sargis Begoyan, - 2021 U17 World Silver, 2025 U20 World 5th
- Vaibhav Patil, IND - 2022 U17 World Bronze
- Ebrahim Khari, IRI - 2024 U23 World Bronze, 2024 U20 World Silver
- Akito Mukaida, JPN - 2025 U23 World Bronze
- Nurdanat Aitanov, KAZ - 2025 U20 World Bronze, 2021 U17 World Bronze
- Tolga Ozbek, TUR - 2025 U23 World Bronze, 2019 U17 World Bronze
- Viktor Iakovlev, RUS
61 kg is loaded with contenders, but there isn’t one clear favorite in this field. I’m picking Davino to win gold, but he’ll likely have 2-3 tough matches just to make the finals. Still, Davino’s freestyle performances over the past year give me a lot of confidence in picking him to come out on top in this bracket. Davino’s victory over Jax Forrest and Austin DeSanto at the US Open is better than any other win any wrestler has in this field. Davino was even impressive in his recent losses to world champ Masanosuke Ono (4-0) and multiple-time world medalist Arsen Harutyunyan (6-5).
Full 61 kg Predictions
Gold: Ben Davino, USA
Silver: Viktor Iakovlev, RUS
Bronze: Akito Mukaida, JPN
Bronze: Ebrahim Khari, IRI
Ben Davino's win over Jax Forrest at the 2026 US Open:
65 kg: Bo Bassett - Gold
65 kg Contenders
- Magomedkhan Magamedkhanov, BLR - 2025 U20 World Bronze
- Singh Jaskaran, IND - 2021 U17 World Silver
- Ahora Khateri, IRI - 2025 U20 World Silver, 2023 U17 World Gold
- Kaiji Ogino, JPN - 2024 U23 World Silver
- Omar Ayoub, PUR - 2025 U20 World Bronze
- Eldar Akhmadudinov, RUS - 2023 U20 World Silver
Bo Bassett accomplished the rare feat of making three world teams in one year, and now he’s trying to follow up his U20 World Gold with a U23 World Title. I’m picking Bassett to win gold, but his competition will be significantly tougher than it was at U20s. Akhmadudinov will likely present the biggest challenge to Bassett. Akhmadudinov is ranked #5 in the world at 65 kg after his recent performance at Russian Nationals, where he made the semifinals with victories over Bashir Magomedov, Ramazan Ferzaliev, Magomed Dazhaniya, and Andrey Tapkharov before falling to world champion Abasgadzhi Magomedov in the semis, 11-6. Though he lost to Magomedov at Russian Nationals, Akhmadudinov does notably hold a 10-9 win over Magomedov from 2024. Akhmadudinov has all of the skills to defeat Bassett, and this matchup has the potential to be one of the best of the tournament.
Full 65 kg Predictions
- Gold: Bo Bassett, USA
- Silver: Eldar Akhmadudinov, RUS
- Bronze: Kaiji Ogino, JPN
- Bronze: Magomedkhan Magamedkhanov, BLR
Akhmadudinov's win over world champion Abasgadzhi Magomedov:
70 kg: Jordan Williams - DNP
70 kg Contenders
- Ebrahim Elahi, IRI - 2025 U20 World Bronze, 2022 U17 World Gold
- Taiga Ogino, JPN - 2022 U17 World Bronze
- Maiis Aliyev, KAZ - 2025 U23 World 5th, 2026 U23 Asian Gold
- Alexandr Gaidarli, MDA - 2025 U23 World Bronze, 2025 U20 World Silver
- Magomed-Emi Eltemirov, RUS - 2024 U23 World Silver
- Abdullah Toprak, TUR - 2025 U20 World Bronze, 2023 U23 World Bronze, 2023 U20 World Bronze, 2021 U17 World Gold, 2016 U17 World Bronze
70 kg is loaded with talent and accomplished age-level wrestlers that will make it tough for Jordan Williams to find the podium. Russia’s Eltemirov was bronze at 2026 Russian Nationals and is currently ranked #8 in the world at 70 kg. I consider him a slight favorite to win this bracket, but it’s worth noting that Gaidarili defeated Eltemirov in the U23 Euro finals, 3-2. Elahi, Ogino, and Toprak are all dangerous, and I wouldn’t be surprised if any of them made the finals or defeated Eltemirov or Gaidarli. This will be a fun bracket, but unfortunately I have a hard time seeing Williams come away with a medal.
Full 70 kg Predictions
Gold: Magomed-Emi Eltemirov, RUS
Silver: Alexandr Gaidarli, MDA
Bronze: Ebrahim Elahi, IRI
Bronze: Abdullah Toprak, TUR
74 kg: Jayden James - Gold
74 kg Contenders
- Grigor Chlakyan, ARM
- Aghanazar Novruzov, AZE - 2024 U20 World Bronze, 2022 U17 World Bronze
- LJ Araujo, BRA - 2024 U20 World Bronze
- Manuel Wagin, GER - 2025 U23 World Bronze, 2023 U17 World Bronze
- Ali Karampour, IRI - 2024 U20 World Bronze
- Toki Ogawa, JPN
- Nurdaulet Seilbekov, KAZ - 2026 U20 World Bronze, 2023 U17 World Bronze
- Adilet Akylbekov, KGZ - 2025 U20 World Silver
- Magomed Baitukaev, RUS - 2024 U20 World Silver, 2023 U20 World Bronze, 2021 U17 World Gold - Beat PJ Duke
- Fazliddin Nasritdinov, UZB - 2025 Senior Asian 5th, 2026 U23 Asian Bronze
74 kg is DEEP, but I think the gold will be won by either Jayden James, Magomed Baitukaev, or Manuel Wagin. Baitukaev notably defeated PJ Duke at the 2024 U20 World Championships before losing in the finals to Ryoya Yamashita. When it comes to skills and technique, Baitukaev might be the best in the bracket, but he struggles with consistency and finishing matches strong. In a bracket this deep, Baitukaev will have a hard time just reaching the finals, let alone winning gold.
Similarly, if Wagin is at his best, he’s capable of winning this bracket. Wagin defeated Baitukaev earlier this year and also has victories over Melvin Miller, Aghanazar Novruzov, and Ismail Khaniev. Wagin is a power wrestler who is incredibly difficult to open up and often capitalizes on his opponents' mistakes. However, Wagin’s lack of offense limits his ability to win against top-tier opponents, and I think his lack of offense will make it tough for him to win this bracket.
Full 74 kg Predictions
Gold: Jayden James, USA
Silver: Manuel Wagin, GER
Bronze: Magomed Baitukaev, RUS
Bronze: Nurdaulet Seilbekov, KAZ
Jayden James' win over Michael Caliendo at the 2026 World Team Trials:
79 kg: Joe Sealey - DNP
79 kg Contenders
- Chandermohan, IND - 2026 & 2025 U23 Asian Gold
- Mahdi Yousefi, IRI - 2025 U23 World Bronze, 2025 U20 World Gold, 2024 U23 World Gold, 2024 U20 World Bronze
- Christopher Minto, JAM - 2X All-American (2nd in 2026, 4th in 2025)
- Kanata Yamaguchi, JPN - 2025 U20 World Bronze, 2017 U17 World Silver
- Malamagomed Gamzatov, RUS
- Ibrahim Yaprak, TUR - 2025 U23 World Silver, 2023 U20 World Bronze
Matty Singleton was initially slated to represent Team USA at 79 kg, but Joe Sealey was recently announced as a late replacement. Sealey had a fantastic freestyle season, placing 3rd at both the US Open and World Team Trials at 74 kg. During that run, Sealey recorded victories over David Carr (5-3), Quincy Monday (10-5), Cam Amine (3-2 and 5-3), Jarrett Jacques (8-2), Terrell Barraclough (7-3), and Joey Bianchi (13-2). Sealey proved during that run that he’s a world-class 74 kg wrestler, but how will he fare at 79 kg?
Sealey will certainly be tested by this field that includes two-time All-American Christopher Minto and some accomplished age-level wrestlers. Is Sealey good enough to medal? Absolutely! However, his path to a medal might be draw-dependent, and if he gets stuck on the same side of the bracket as Minto, Yousefi, or Yaprak, it might be difficult for Sealey to make the podium.
It might be surprising to some, but I'm picking Chris Minto to win gold here. Though he lost to Keegan O'Toole and Jason Nolf, he showed incredible potential against both of these world-class freestylers. Minto doesn't have the experience of others in this field, but I think his strength and defense will take this field by surprise.
Full 79 kg Predictions
Gold: Chris Minto, JAM
Silver: Mahdi Yousefi, IRI
Bronze: Kanata Yamaguchi, JPN
Bronze: Ibrahim Yaprak, TUR
Christopher Minto's win over Beau Mantanona:
86 kg: Aeoden Sinclair - Silver
86 kg Contenders
- Razmik Yepremyan, ARM - 2022 U17 World Bronze
- Tornike Samkharadze, GEO - 2021 U17 World Bronze
- Amit, IND - 2024 & 2025 U20 World 5th
- Reza Afshar, IRI - 2024 U17 World Gold
- Ryoka Asano, JPN - 2024 & 2025 U20 World 5th
- Eugeniu Mihalcean, MDA - 2024 U23 World Bronze, 2023 U20 World Bronze
- Arsen Balaian, RUS - 2025 U23 World Gold, 2024 U23 World Bronze
- Ahmet Yagan, TUR - 2024 & 2025 U20 World Bronze
Aeoden Sinclair is coming off a U20 World title and will be entering a significantly tougher field at U23s. Arsen Balaian, Reza Afshar, and Eugeniu Mihalcean are the biggest threats to Sinclair in this bracket. Balaian is the most credentialed of this group - he’s already a U23 World Champion and was recently bronze at Russian Nationals. Along with those accomplishments, Balaian has notable victories over Egeueniu Mihalcean (10-0), Ali Tcokaev (7-1), and Ibrahim Yaprak (2-1). Sinclair has the potential to defeat Balaian, and everyone else in the bracket, but he’ll absolutely have to be at his best in Vegas.
Full 86 kg Predictions
Gold: Arsen Balaian, RUS
Silver: Aeoden Sinclair, USA
Bronze: Eugeniu Mihalcean, MDA
Bronze: Reza Afshar, IRI
Aeoden Sinclair breaks down his comeback wins at U20 Worlds:
92 kg: Seth Shumate - DNP
92 kg Contenders
- Anar Jafarli, AZE - 2024 U20 World Bronze, 2025 U20 World 5th
- Sandro Kurashvili, GEO - 2026 U20 World Gold, 2023 U17 World Gold
- Abolfazl Rahmani, IRI - 2026 U20 World Silver, 2025 U23 World Bronze, 2024 & 2025 U20 World Bronze,
- Kamil Kurugliyev, KAZ - 2025 Senior World 5th, 2025 U20 World Silver, 2024 U20 World Bronze, 2022 U17 World Gold, 2021 U17 World Bronze
- Arslan Bagaev, RUS - 2024 U23 World Gold, 2023 U23 World Bronze, 2019 U17 World Silver
- Fatih Altunbas, TUR - 2024 U23 World 5th
Seth Shumate made the U23 World team after finishing third at the US Open with victories over Patrick Brophy (12-1 and 10-0), Cody Merrill (8-4), Dillon Bechtold (by pin), Kael Wisler (by pin), and Wyatt Bush. Though he hasn’t earned All-American honors yet in college, Shumate is an incredibly talented freestyler and a legitimate threat to medal at U23 Worlds. However, I think Shumate’s path to the podium might be dependent on his draw in the bracket, and I have a hard time seeing him defeat Arslan Bagaev, Kamil Kurugliyev, Sandro Kurashvili, or Abolfzal Rahmani.
Full 92 kg Predictions
Gold: Arslan Bagaev, RUS
Silver: Abolfazl Rahmani, IRI
Bronze: Anar Jafarli, AZE
Bronze: Sandro Kurashvili, GEO
Seth Shumate's win over Cody Merrill at the 2026 US Open:
97 kg: Justin Rademacher - Bronze
97 kg Contenders
- Uladzislau Kazlou, BLR - 2024 U23 World Bronze
- Konstantine Petriashvili, GEO - 2026 U20 World Bronze, 2025 U20 World Bronze, 2024 U17 World Gold, 2023 U17 World Bronze
- Mohammadmobin Azimi, IRI - 2025 U23 World Gold, 2023 U20 World Gold - Beat Josh Barr
- Mukhamed-Takhir Khaniev, RUS - 2025 U23 World Silver, 2019 U17 World Gold
- Sherzod Poyonov, UZB - 2025 U23 World Bronze, 2025 U20 World Gold
- Rifat Gidak, TUR - 2022 U20 World Silver, 2021 U17 World Gold
- Ivan Prymachenko, UKR - 2023 U23 World Silver
Justin Rademacher won a U20 world title last year, and it will be great to see him against a step-up in competition this year at U23 Worlds. The 97 kg bracket is deep, but there are two top dogs in this bracket that should be considered the favorites - Mukhamed-Takhir Khaniev and Mohammadmobin Azimi. Khaniev finished as the runner-up at this year’s Russian Nationals and notably defeated Kyle Snyder (10-4) in February at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series Tournament. Azimi was just shy of making Iran’s senior world team this year at 92 kg and actually defeated Khaniev in last year’s U23 world finals (5-3). Beyond that, American fans might remember Azimi for his tech fall win over Josh Barr at U23 Worlds last year and for his 5-5 criteria loss to Trent Hidlay this year.
Azimi's win over Josh Barr:
Because of random draw, Rademacher runs the risk of being drawn on the same side of the bracket as both Azimi and Khaniev. However, if Rademacher is opposite even one of those two, I expect him to earn a medal in Vegas.
Full 97 kg Predictions
Gold: Mohammadmobin Azimi, IRI
Silver: Mukhamed-Takhir Azimi, RUS
Bronze: Justin Rademacher, USA
Bronze: Konstantine Petriashvili, GEO
Justin Rademacher's win in the finals of the 2025 U20 World Championships:
125 kg: Coby Merrill - Bronze
125 kg Contenders
- Khachatur Khachatryan, ARM - 2025 U23 World 5th
- Khetag Karsanov, AZE - 2025 U23 World Silver, 2024 U20 World Silver
- Abolfazl Mohammadnezhad, IRI - 2026 U20 World Gold, 2025 U23 World Gold, 2025 U20 World Silver, 2024 U17 World Bronze - Beat Dreshuan Ross
- Andrei Bestaev, RUS - 2021 U20 World Bronze
- Hakan Buyukcingil, TUR - 2025 U23 World Bronze, 2023 & 2024 U20 World Bronze
- Volodymyr Kochanov, UKR - 2024 U23 World Bronze
Coby Merrill put the heavyweight world on notice at the US Open when he defeated Hodge Trophy winner and world bronze medalist Mason Parris (8-1). In fact, between the US Open and the World Team Trials, Merrill also defeated Cole Mirasola (11-0 and 13-7), Taye Ghadiali (6-0 and 13-3), and Hayden Zillmer (4-1). As good as those wins were, it’s also worth noting that Merrill suffered losses to Isaac Trumble (3-0), Demetrius Thomas (6-5), and Dreshaun Ross (7-1 and 9-2). Merrill is a brute that can control the handfight against 99% of the people he wrestles, but sometimes he struggles to generate offense outside of stepouts. If he wrestles an opponent who can match his strength and handfight, he struggles. Because of that, I’m reluctant to pick Merrill to win gold at U23 Worlds.
Iran’s Abolfazl Mohammadnezhad perfectly fits the mold of a wrestler who can give Merrill trouble. He’ll likely be able to match Merrill’s strength and handfighting ability. Beyond that, I think Mohammadnezhad is more athletic than Merrill and possesses more variety in his offensive attacks. Mohammadnezhad is the wrestler to beat, and the field after Mohammadnezhad will also present some challenges to Merrill.
Full 125 kg Predictions
Gold: Abolfazl Mohammadnezhad, IRI
Silver: Khetag Karsanov, AZE
Bronze: Coby Merrill, USA
Bronze: Hakan Buyukcingil, TUR
Coby Merrill's win over Mason Parris at the 2026 US Open:
Can Team USA Win The Team Title?
Based on my above predictions, I have the United States, Iran, and Russia all winning 7 medals. The medal breakdown is shown below for these top 3 teams:
- United States: 7 total medals - 4 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
- Russia: 7 total medals - 3 gold, 4 silver
- Iran: 7 total medals- 2 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze
I expect the team race to be incredibly close, and all three countries have the potential to win the team title. Breaking down the team scores based on points, I have Russia winning by 20 points over USA, and Iran coming in third just 15 points behind the United States. No matter who wins, the wrestling will be amazing from start to finish, and you won't want to miss a round of this incredible tournament!
Complete team score breakdown:
*Team points = 25 for gold, 20 for silver, and 15 for bronze