The latest report from the Polish Institute of Sports Diplomacy is now available. „Sport Soft Power: 2026 States Ranking” is an original analysis and one of the few projects of its kind in the world.
This is the second edition of the first study in Poland analyzing the extent to which states use sport to conduct international policy and build their image. It was developed based on original research conducted by the Polish Institute for Sports Diplomacy (PIDS) on sport soft power.
The primary goal of this analysis is to assess the strength of sport diplomacy in selected states. The study covered 60 states that treat sport as an element of their soft power, using it to enhance political influence and build a positive reputation. The Ranking includes 30 of them. Prof. Simon Chadwick contributed to this year’s edition.
The analysis takes into account various factors, including the role of sports in foreign policies, public and private sector sports sponsorship, the presence of officials in decision-making bodies of international federations, the recognition and achievements of athletes and a country’s involvement in hosting sports events.
The PIDS ranking will be published annually, allowing for the identification of trends and highlighting changes in the level of engagement in sports diplomacy among states.
Sport Soft Power. 2026 States Ranking: