The IWAS announced the city, located on the Algarve and which hosted the Games in 2017, would stage its flagship event from October 1 to 4 in 2021.

Cerebral palsy football is set to make its debut at the 2021 Games, joining athletics, swimming and powerlifting on the programme.

Competition will be hosted at the Complexo Desportivo de Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

"What better way to inspire hope and optimism at the end of a challenging year than revealing the first details of IWAS' marquee event," said IWAS President Rudi van den Abbeele.

"Attracting hundreds of competitors, the IWAS World Games are where champions are born. 

"There are countless successful athletes who have used them as a springboard because they provide the perfect place for countries to debut their emerging faces. 

"This is why we also see some of the most experienced and decorated Paralympians returning year-after-year - to test themselves against up-and-coming stars.

"We are very proud of this legacy and are happy to be able to continue helping to build the future of Para-sports. 

"IWAS is excited to make history once again at Vila Real de Santo Antonio 2021."

This year's IWAS World Games had been due to take place in Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand, before being cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.