Al Shira’aa to Bring Back the Nations Cup to Lisbon from 2026
After a three-year hiatus, the historic team competition returns under a new five-year agreement
Al Shira’aa is proud to announce the return of the Nations Cup to Lisbon in May 2026, to be staged at the historical Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa, in the heart of the city. After a three-year hiatus, the celebrated event that will once again take its place on the international showjumping calendar under a new five-year agreement, running as a CSIO3* from 2026–2027, upgrading to CSIO4* in 2028-2029, and achieving CSIO 5* status in 2030.
The Lisbon Nations Cup, one of Europe’s most venerable team events, was first held in 1911 and holds the distinction of being the oldest show to be held continuously in the same location. Its last edition was in 2022 as part of the Longines EEF Series at Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa, where Ireland took the win.
Lisbon’s Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa provides a spectacular grass arena and a rich equestrian heritage, making it an ideal setting for the event’s return. The nation’s showcase team competition promises to rekindle excitement among riders, federations, and fans alike.
Under the new agreement, the Nations Cup will progress as follows:
2026–2027: CSIO3*
2028-2029: CSIO4*
2030: CSIO5*
This structured plan ensures sustainable growth and allows the event to strengthen its competitive level, infrastructure, and international recognition year on year.
“My mission to bring sport to the people continues. By bringing back the Nations Cup to Lisbon, we are breathing new life into one of Europe’s great equestrian traditions and creating opportunities for riders and fans to share in the beauty of this sport,” said HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Founder of Al Shira’aa.
"I would like to thank Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa for providing us with such magnificent facilities and for their commitment to further improvements this year. My gratitude also goes to the Portuguese Equestrian Federation for placing their trust in Oxer Sport to organise the CSIO Lisbon for the next five years. And of course, to Al Shira’aa for supporting such an ambitious project and for their strong commitment to the development of equestrian sport in Europe,” commented Álvaro Arrieta, President of Oxer Sport.
The initiative forms part of the ever-expanding Al Shira’aa Tour, a global platform designed to create accessibility for riders of all levels while bringing historical shows back to the forefront of international sport. From Hickstead to Hamburg and now Lisbon, Al Shira’aa continues to strengthen competition calendars worldwide — preserving tradition, nurturing new talent, and uniting equestrian communities under a shared passion for the horse. For all updates, visit www.alshiraaatour.com.
