Since January 1, 2026, global sport has entered a new cycle of shared responsibility with the entry into force of the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). More than a technical document, the List represents a global ethical agreement aimed at protecting athletes’ health, competitive fairness and the credibility of sport at all levels.
The annual update of this regulation, approved by the WADA Executive Committee in September 2025, is accompanied by the 2026 Monitoring Program, a complementary tool that tracks emerging trends before they become structural threats. Together, both mechanisms reflect a living system under constant review, one that engages with science, medicine and the everyday reality of athletes.
A global standard that defines limits and responsibilities
The Prohibited List is one of the eight International Standards that are mandatory for all signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code. It details which substances and methods are prohibited both in and out of competition, as well as specific restrictions that apply only to certain sports. Its scope transcends borders and disciplines, establishing a common language for federations, anti-doping organizations, coaches and athletes.
The Monitoring Program, for its part, includes substances that are not yet prohibited but that WADA considers necessary to observe in order to detect potential patterns of misuse. This preventive surveillance makes it possible to anticipate new forms of doping and reinforces the idea that protecting sporting integrity is not reactive, but strategic and sustained over time.
Scientific changes, regulatory clarity and educational support
The modifications introduced for 2026 seek to provide greater clarity for athletes and their support personnel. Additional examples and explanations have been added to key substance classes such as anabolic agents, peptide hormones, growth factors and related substances, hormonal and metabolic modulators, and stimulants, making it easier to identify prohibited substances in an increasingly complex pharmacological environment. Dosage intervals for salmeterol have also been adjusted, and greater detail has been provided regarding practices such as blood extraction and the non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide.
Alongside these technical changes, WADA strengthens its educational support. Anti-doping organizations, athletes and support personnel have access to checklists, annual guides and e-learning courses available on ADEL, as well as digital and multilingual versions of the List optimized for mobile devices. This support recognizes that final responsibility lies with the athlete, while also affirming that prevention is built on clear, accessible and up-to-date information.
