The International Young Physicists' Tournament (IYPT), also known as the "Physics World Cup," is a prestigious team-oriented scientific competition for secondary school students. Founded in 1988, the tournament challenges teams of 3 to 5 students to research, experiment with, and present solutions to 17 open-ended physics problems over the course of nearly a year. Unlike traditional physics exams, the IYPT emphasizes hands-on experimental work, scientific debate, and teamwork. During the competition, teams engage in structured "Physics Fights" where students take on the roles of Reporter, Opponent, and Reviewer, presenting and critiquing each other's research in front of an international jury. Five selective fights determine the top teams that advance to a final round. With over 35 countries participating annually and the tournament hosted in a different country each year, the IYPT offers a unique and rigorous experience that closely mirrors real-world scientific research and discourse.
IYPT 2027 takes place July 5–12 in Auckland, New Zealand. The July 12–14 International Organising Committee meeting is separate from the student tournament. The official October 21, 2026 announcement sets national team pre-registration for December 15, 2026, using the wording “at midnight (CET)”. Individual national selection and later international registration/payment dates are separate; no universal April deadline is established for 2027.
Sources checked November 4, 2026: official announcement, 2027 host, regulations and joining guidance. The regulations permit team members who are citizens of the represented country or enrolled in a school there. The terms page links an older 2025 document, which does not establish 2027 fees. The 2026 registration update is historical.