The new system will be applied starting from the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
In each of the 18 weight categories, 16 licenses will be contested. The possibility of obtaining them will depend on:
- the results of the 2027 World Championship
- continental championships
- the world qualifying tournament.
Stage 1 — World Championship (72 licenses)
At the 2027 World Championship, 72 licenses will be available, awarded to the medalists in Olympic categories — 1st, 2nd, and two 3rd places.
Stage 2 — UWW Ranking (54 licenses)
Following the World Championship, three licenses in each weight category will be awarded to the top athletes from the world ranking representing countries that did not secure licenses at the World Championship.
Seven major tournaments held before the Olympics will be considered when compiling the UWW ranking:
- continental championships of 2027
- series of ranking tournaments in 2027 (3 tournaments)
- 2027 World Championship
- series of ranking tournaments in 2028 (1 tournament)
- continental championships of 2028
Stage 3 — Continental Qualification (for Europe, Asia, Pan America, Africa, and Oceania).
Two licenses in each weight category will be contested at these tournaments.
Stage 4 — World Qualification
The world qualifying tournament will distribute 18 licenses, which will be awarded to the winners in each weight category.
Only those countries that did not obtain licenses in the previous stages will be allowed to participate in the world qualification.
Participation Rules for Ranking Tournaments
Each country may register no more than two wrestlers in each weight category.
