Fans were treated to a bevvy of one of the most exciting plays in ultimate: the callahan. Here are our five favorites from WJUC!
July 24, 2026 by Rhea Patney in Opinion, Recap
Ultiworld’s coverage of the 2026 WFDF World Junior Ultimate Championships is presented by Spin Ultimate; all opinions are those of the author(s). Find out how Spin can get you, and your team, looking your best this season.
The 2026 WFDF World Junior Ultimate Championships in Logroño, Spain, wrapped up on Saturday, July 18, and the tournament delivered an incredible display of athleticism, instincts, and defensive brilliance from young talent across the world. Across the three divisions, players recorded an astounding 23 total callahans — five in the women’s division, 12 in the open division, and six in the mixed division.
Fourteen of those callahans were captured on Ultiworld streams, and we’ve collected five of the most memorable plays for your viewing pleasure.
Maxime Belliveau — Canada Open (July 14)
In a tightly contested open division pool play matchup, no.1 USA and no.3 Canada battled before Canada’s Maxime Belliveau came up with a momentum-shifting callahan.
With Canada trailing and the game hanging in the balance, a USA throw deflected off a teammate’s hands, creating a brief opportunity for Belliveau. He immediately went for the full-extension layout and secured the callahan to tie the game at 10-10 and swing the momentum in Canada’s favor.
Canada went on to win the game 13-12, and Belliveau’s athletic effort to secure the crucial break provided a massive spark in a game defined by its intensity and back-and-forth action.
Rakuto Hayashi — Japan Open (July 11)
No.5 Japan earned their first break against no.15 Finland thanks to lockdown defense from Rakuto Hayashi.
After Finland’s handler struggled to find an open option, Hayashi pressured the reset, forcing an inside shot attempt. He anticipated the throw instantly and launched into a near-standstill layout to secure the callahan.
The score gave Japan an early 2-0 advantage and showcased the instincts and anticipation that fueled their defensive pressure throughout the game.
Agata Benzi — Italy Women’s (July 15)
No.1 Italy and no.3 France delivered one of the most dramatic women’s division matchups of the tournament, and Italy’s Agata Benzi made one of the smartest defensive reads of the game.
With Italy down one point, Benzi recognized the developing play, left her downfield assignment, and attacked a looping around backhand from the French handler to earn the callahan.
The break tied the game at 10-10 and forced universe, which Italy ultimately won.
Ethan Austin-Cruse — United States Mixed (July 16)
No.1 USA’s quarterfinal matchup against no.6 Colombia featured a spectacular callahan from Ethan Austin-Cruse.
Two USA defenders had an opportunity to make a play on the around backhand, but Austin-Cruse was the one to secure the disc with a layout interception for the score.
The callahan helped the United States pull away in a 13-5 victory over Colombia and was another standout play in the team’s championship run.
Eddy Zhou — Canada Mixed (July 11)
No.2 Canada struck early in their mixed pool play matchup against no.6 Colombia, with Eddy Zhou producing a highlight-reel callahan just two points into the game.
After a Colombian handler’s throw popped slightly in the air, Zhou reacted quickly, tracked the disc, and emphatically skied for the score. It was the kind of split-second play that leaves everyone watching needing a moment to process what just happened.
The early break gave Canada control from the outset, and they never looked back in a 13-4 victory.
From perfectly timed reads to jaw-dropping layouts, these callahans captured the creativity, instincts, awareness, and defensive intensity that made the 2026 WFDF World Junior Ultimate Championships such a memorable tournament.
