The qualification period for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 kicks off next week, with the first points on the line already at the 2026 Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam (19-21 June).
The qualification process for a total of 372 spots will run from 15 June 2026 until 12 June 2028. During that period, every major international result can affect an athlete’s chances of reaching the Olympics.
Here is the breakdown:
- 238 athletes qualify through direct qualification (top 17 in each weight category)
- 104 athletes qualify through continental quotas
- 6 athletes qualify through mixed team invitation places
- 14 athletes are allocated to the host nation (USA)
- 10 athletes qualify through Universality places
Read on for more details on the qualification process.
The majority of Olympic places are awarded through the IJF World Ranking List.
Athletes earn points through competitions on the IJF World Tour and other recognised international events.
The events with the most points include:
- World Championships
- IJF Masters
- Grand Slam
- Grand Prix
- Continental Championships
- Continental Open tournaments
Generally speaking, World Championships and Masters events offer the highest point values, while Continental Opens offer fewer points. This means athletes often need strong performances at the highest level if they want to qualify directly.
How Many Judoka Will Compete at LA28?
A total of 372 athletes will compete in Olympic judo at Los Angeles 2028, split equally between men and women.
There are seven men’s weight categories:
- -60kg
- -66kg
- -73kg
- -81kg
- -90kg
- -100kg
- +100kg
And seven women’s categories:
- -48kg
- -52kg
- -57kg
- -63kg
- -70kg
- -78kg
- +78kg
The mixed team event will also take place for the third time, having debuted in Tokyo 2020.
Direct Qualification Through the World Rankings
The most straightforward route to LA28 is through direct qualification.
For every weight category, the top 17 athletes in the IJF Olympic Ranking List at the end of the qualification period will earn Olympic places. This applies to both men and women.
That means:
- 17 athletes qualify in each men’s division
- 17 athletes qualify in each women’s division
- 238 athletes qualify through direct ranking places overall
However, there is an important catch.
Each country can have only one athlete per weight category at the Olympic Games. If two athletes from the same nation finish inside the top 17, the national federation decides which athlete gets to hold down the Olympic spot.
Continental Qualification
Not every Olympic athlete will be ranked in the world’s top 17.
To ensure global representation, an additional 104 places are awarded through continental rankings.
Separate ranking lists are created for:
- Africa
- Europe
- Asia
- Oceania
- The Americas
Athletes are then selected according to continental quotas.
Continental Quotas
| Continent | Men | Women | Total |
| Africa | 12 | 12 | 24 |
| Europe | 13 | 13 | 26 |
| Asia | 12 | 12 | 24 |
| Oceania | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Americas | 11 | 11 | 22 |
The Mixed Team Route
Judo’s mixed team event has become one of the most exciting parts of the Olympic programme.
Countries need athletes capable of competing in six combined team categories:
Women’s Team Categories
- -57kg
- -70kg
- +70kg
Men’s Team Categories
- -73kg
- -90kg
- +90kg
These categories can be filled using athletes from neighbouring individual weight classes.
There are also six special invitation places linked to the mixed team competition. One is allocated to an eligible country from each continent, with a sixth awarded based on the world mixed team rankings. Athletes receiving these places qualify for both the individual tournament and the mixed team event.
What About Host Nation Places?
As the host country, the United States receives 14 quota places:
- Seven men
- Seven women
That allows the host nation to enter one athlete in every individual weight category, provided eligibility requirements are met.
Universality Places
The Olympic Games also reserve 10 universality places.
These are designed to help nations with limited Olympic representation participate in the Games. Applications are handled through the IOC’s Tripartite Commission process.
Key Dates for LA28 Qualification
- Qualification period begins: 15 June 2026
- Qualification period ends: 12 June 2028
- Final Olympic ranking list published: 15 June 2028
- Reallocation process begins: June 2028
- Olympic Games: 14 July to 30 July 2028
The EJU wishes the best of luck to all the judoka on their routes to LA28!
Author: EJU Media