Haudenosaunee Return to IIJL World U18 and World U16 in 2026

After a successful test entry into the 2025 IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championship (WU18LC) and 2025 IIJL World U16 Lacrosse Championship (WU16LC) in East Aurora, NY last August, Herbie John will assemble Haudenosaunee rosters again exclusively for the 2026 IIJL U18 and U16 championships in Brantford, ON. 

The Haudenosaunee have a rich history at IIJL Championships, and their presence has always elevated the level of competition, the atmosphere, and the meaning behind the event. Competing as the Haudenosaunee is more than simply entering a team into a tournament — it represents a culture, a legacy, and the origins of lacrosse itself. 

Haudenosaunee's return to the IIJL stage is significant not only for the players who will compete in 2026, but for the entire IIJL community. 

The Haudenosaunee have built a strong tradition within IIJL competition, earning a reputation for high-level talent, pride, and a team-first approach that reflects the values of their communities. 

[PHOTO: All-Star Team assembled by Herbie John consisting of players from North American Minor Lacrosse Association competing at the 2025 IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championship.]

Since their departure at the conclusion of the 2022 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship, and again following the 2023 IIJL World U16 Lacrosse Championship, their inclusion has been missed by fans, organizers, and competing nations alike. The Haudenosaunee are one of the most respected peoples in international lacrosse, and their absence left a noticeable gap in the IIJL pathway. 

The Haudenosaunee's return did not come easily. Behind the scenes, IIJL has worked tirelessly for nearly three years to re-establish a consistent Haudenosaunee entry into its independent international events. 

During that time, the IIJL reached out to more than half a dozen different groups and contacts. Many expressed strong initial interest. Conversations started with excitement, ideas, and momentum — but repeatedly, communication would fade. Follow-ups would go unanswered. Promising discussions would stall completely. In some cases, groups would disappear entirely. 

Despite continued efforts, it became clear that finding the right organizer wasn’t about finding someone willing to say “yes” — it was about finding someone willing to lead. 

That person was Herbie John. From the first conversation, it was immediately clear that Herbie John was different. 

[PHOTO: Haudenosaunee and United States shake hands at the completion of a Round-Robin game at the 2025 IIJL World U16 Lacrosse Championship in East Aurora, NY.]

John's communication has been consistent, professional, and proactive. More importantly, his commitment to the mission has been unwavering. John understands what these events mean — not just for the athletes attending, but for the Haudenosaunee community as a whole. 

John has made it clear that this is not about individual recognition or personal gain. It is about bringing people together, building something sustainable, and giving Haudenosaunee players the opportunity to compete internationally, represent their individual communities, and create lifelong memories through sport. 

John also recognizes the importance of long-term continuity. The strongest international programs are built through repeated participation, year-after-year. With that mindset, John has stepped forward not only to build rosters, but to build a true pathway. 

The IIJL World U18 and U16 Lacrosse Championships exist to create an authentic international experience for young athletes — one that mirrors the pride, pressure, and excitement of representing a country, nation, or people on a global stage. 

[PHOTO: Haudenosaunee celebrate a goal at the 2022 IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championship in Buffalo, NY.]

Herbie John shares that belief completely. John understands that international competition develops players in a way that local leagues aren't structured to provide. It challenges them, exposes them to different styles, different coaching, different game speeds, and different expectations. It creates perspective, maturity, and confidence. It builds leaders. 

And in the process, it strengthens the community behind them, where they first nurtured their passion for the game. 

John’s desire to reunite families, communities, coaches, and supporters around a single shared goal is exactly what makes him the right person to lead this effort. 

In addition to their meaningful impact the Haudenosaunee have on IIJL Championships, they have had a tremendous amount of success over the last ten years. Winning seven (7) Gold, four (4) Silver, and three (3) Bronze medals. 

• World Junior Lacrosse Championship; Gold (2016), Silver (2018, 2019, 2022), Bronze (2015, 2016) 
• World U18 Lacrosse Championship; Gold (2016, 2021, 2022), Silver (2025) 
• World U16 Lacrosse Championship; Gold (2021, 2022, 2023), Bronze (2025)

[PHOTO: 2023 IIJL World U16 Lacrosse Championship the last time the Haudenosaunee won a Gold Medal at a IIJL Championship.]

With Brantford, ON hosting the 2026 IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championship and 2026 IIJL World U16 Lacrosse Championship, the stage is set for the Haudenosaunee's incredible return. 

The Haudenosaunee will once again be represented by athletes who play with passion, identity, and pride — and who carry forward the history of the game every time they step onto the floor. 

Further roster announcements, tryout details, and team updates will be shared soon. Players can express interest to participate through the IIJL website.

IIJL is proud to welcome the Haudenosaunee back into the IIJL championship family, and excited to work alongside Herbie John as this program continues to grow and provides a pathway for Haudenosaunee inclusion in the IIJL World Junior and Women's World Junior soon.