The world's best players will compete for global crowns between August 17 and 26 at the Wilhelmsburger Inselparkarena, following the decision by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF).

A total of 16 men's teams and 12 women's teams will compete in all, with the German bid beating off competition from Dubai, Tokyo and Los Angeles.

The official announcement confirming Hamburg as hosts comes after the State Councillor for Sport, Christoph Holstein, received the flag of the IWBF during the Rio 2016 Paralympics as a "token of agreement".

"I am pleased that Hamburg convinced the IWBF with its concept of how it would host the international tournament," said Hamburg's Senator for Sports Andy Grote.

"With this we send out a clear signal for the support of Paralympic sports.

"Organising the World Wheelchair Basketball Championships 2018 enhances the position of Hamburg as an important centre for wheelchair basketball."

Tokyo is due to host the next Summer Paralympics in 2020, while Los Angeles is a contender for the 2024 event.

Hamburg had been in the frame to host in 2024, but their bid was withdrawn in November after residents voted 51.6 per cent against continuing in a referendum.

The German city also hosted the Women's European Championships in 2003.

IWBF President Ulf Mehrens, himself a German, said: "Germany and especially Hamburg as host city provides excellent conditions which promises to make the World Championships a great event and a celebration of Paralympic sport."

The men's and women's World Championships were held separately when they were last held in 2014.

In the men's event, Australia beat the United States to gold in Incheon, South Korea, with Canada winning the women's crown ahead of Germany on home soil in Toronto.

The US won both the men's and women's Paralympic titles in Rio de Janeiro last month.