FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

The 2026 FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston, Texas brought together some of the best student robotics teams from around the globe. This year’s event included teams from an impressive 66 countries, making it one of the most diverse and competitive championships to date.

Team 15668 – The FullMetal Kestrels, representing Xavier Robotics, earned their place at this elite event through a season of hard work, innovation, and strong performance. Competing at Worlds is a major accomplishment and reflects the team’s dedication and skill.

The competition was organized into six divisions of 55-60 teams, where teams played a series of ten qualification matches over the first three days to rank and advance. Top teams formed alliances and competed in elimination rounds within their divisions. Division champions then moved on to a championship round featuring a round-robin format, culminating in a final best-of-three match to determine the world champion.

Throughout the event, the FullMetal Kestrels demonstrated teamwork, resilience, and Gracious Professionalism® both on and off the field. Beyond the matches, the team had the opportunity to collaborate and connect with students from around the world, sharing ideas, learning new approaches, and representing Xavier Robotics with pride.

We are incredibly proud of Team 15668 for their achievement in reaching the World Championship and for the way they represented our community on an international stage.

While they did not advance to the finals this year, the team learned a great deal and are eager for next season and the chance to compete on the world stage again.

The parents and mentors who attended were there to cheer them on throughout the long days.

Just a few statistics on the FullMetal Kestrels and the other Xavier teams.

FullMetal Kestrels – World Ranking – 343rd.  95.81%.  That means they are one of the top FIVE PERCENT in the WORLD!  Before Worlds, their rank was 742nd.

FullMetal Peregrines – World Ranking – 1031st. 87.38%

FullMetal Phoenixes – World Ranking – 1343rd. 83.56%

Semi-Platinum Penguins – World Ranking – 668th. 91.83%

To sum up, Xavier Robotics represented 4 individual FTC teams this year with 6 dedicated mentors, (Bob, Helen, Nick, John, Scott, and Rich) and much support from parents, and all 4 teams were in the top 20% in the entire world (7500+ teams) and 2 of those were in the top 10%.

That is an astounding accomplishment and I know all of the mentors are very proud of these young men.

STATE CHAMPIONS!!

The FullMetal Kestrals partnered with the Armored Artemises of Glastonbury soared to victory at the 2026 CT FTC State Championship! After a grueling day comprised of 38 qualification matches, all 4 Xavier FTC Teams stood on the field as either an Alliance Captain or an Alliance Partner. The final six Alliances then entered a double elimination round. As with all competition however, only one can stand victor.

Congratulations to the FullMetal Kestrels on their amazing win and to the Semi-Platinum Penguins, the FullMetal Peregrines, and the FullMetal Phoenixes for an amazing season.

The Semi-Platinum Penguins finished in third place at the championship and earned an invitation to the New England Invitational along with the FullMetal Phoenixes at the Big E fairgrounds April 17th and 18th.

The FullMetal Kestrels have advanced to the FTC World Championship which will be held in Houston, TX, April 29th to May 2nd.

Congratulations to all the students who competed this year!