The ISSF Qualification System, approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), outlines a global pathway that combines World Championships, ISSF World Cups, Continental Championships, Continental Games and the Olympic Ranking, ensuring athletes from every continent have opportunities to secure qualification.
A total of 340 Olympic places
The LA28 shooting programme will feature 15 medal events—six for men, six for women and three mixed team events. A total of 340 athletes (170 men and 170 women) will compete at the Olympic Games. Of these, 316 places will be earned through qualification competitions, while 12 host country places and 12 universality places complete the athlete quota.
A total of 340 Olympic places
The LA28 shooting programme will feature 15 medal events—six for men, six for women and three mixed team events. A total of 340 athletes (170 men and 170 women) will compete at the Olympic Games. Of these, 316 places will be earned through qualification competitions, while 12 host country places and 12 universality places complete the athlete quota.
World Championships offer the biggest opportunity
As in previous Olympic cycles, the ISSF World Championships will award the largest number of quota places.
The first opportunity will come at the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Doha, Qatar, where 36 Olympic quota places—three in each Olympic individual event—will be available.
In 2027, another 24 quota places will be awarded at the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol in Daegu, Republic of Korea, while the ISSF World Championship Shotgun in Cairo, Egypt will distribute a further 12 places. Together, the three World Championships will account for 72 Olympic quota places.
As in previous Olympic cycles, the ISSF World Championships will award the largest number of quota places.
The first opportunity will come at the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Doha, Qatar, where 36 Olympic quota places—three in each Olympic individual event—will be available.
In 2027, another 24 quota places will be awarded at the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol in Daegu, Republic of Korea, while the ISSF World Championship Shotgun in Cairo, Egypt will distribute a further 12 places. Together, the three World Championships will account for 72 Olympic quota places.
World Cups remain key milestones
The ISSF World Cup circuit will continue to play a vital role on the Road to LA28.
The combined Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun World Cup in New Delhi will award 12 quota places, while the Rifle/Pistol World Cups in Munich, Baku and Rome will each distribute eight.
Shotgun specialists will also have opportunities to qualify through the World Cups in Acapulco, Lonato and Hangzhou, with four quota places available at each event.
Continental competitions complete the pathway
Athletes will also have multiple opportunities to qualify through Continental Championships, Continental Games and regional multi-sport events.
Europe will award quota places through its 10m, 25/50m and Shotgun Championships, as well as the European Games. Asia, the Americas, Africa and Oceania will each host their own qualifying events, ensuring every continent has representation on the road to Los Angeles.
The ISSF World Cup circuit will continue to play a vital role on the Road to LA28.
The combined Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun World Cup in New Delhi will award 12 quota places, while the Rifle/Pistol World Cups in Munich, Baku and Rome will each distribute eight.
Shotgun specialists will also have opportunities to qualify through the World Cups in Acapulco, Lonato and Hangzhou, with four quota places available at each event.
Continental competitions complete the pathway
Athletes will also have multiple opportunities to qualify through Continental Championships, Continental Games and regional multi-sport events.
Europe will award quota places through its 10m, 25/50m and Shotgun Championships, as well as the European Games. Asia, the Americas, Africa and Oceania will each host their own qualifying events, ensuring every continent has representation on the road to Los Angeles.
Olympic Ranking will reward consistency
For athletes who narrowly miss qualification during competition, the Olympic Ranking provides one final opportunity.
At the end of the qualification period, one quota place in each Olympic individual event will be allocated through the Olympic Ranking, rewarding athletes who have demonstrated consistent performances throughout the cycle. Ranking points will be calculated from each athlete's ten best results achieved in designated qualifying competitions.
A global journey
The qualification period officially begins on 31 July 2026 and concludes on 1 May 2028, spanning nearly two years of international competition across five continents.
From Doha to Daegu, from Munich to Hangzhou, and from continental championships to World Cups, every competition will carry Olympic significance as athletes pursue their dream of competing at LA28.
For athletes who narrowly miss qualification during competition, the Olympic Ranking provides one final opportunity.
At the end of the qualification period, one quota place in each Olympic individual event will be allocated through the Olympic Ranking, rewarding athletes who have demonstrated consistent performances throughout the cycle. Ranking points will be calculated from each athlete's ten best results achieved in designated qualifying competitions.
A global journey
The qualification period officially begins on 31 July 2026 and concludes on 1 May 2028, spanning nearly two years of international competition across five continents.
From Doha to Daegu, from Munich to Hangzhou, and from continental championships to World Cups, every competition will carry Olympic significance as athletes pursue their dream of competing at LA28.