Four Continents, One Destination: The Road to London 2026 Continues

With all events now underway, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Pan American region are crowning their continental champions whilst securing qualification spots for what promises to be the most significant World Championships in the sport’s illustrious history. With Oceania having already led the charge earlier this year, the global table tennis family is united in a single mission: reaching London, where it all began a century ago.

Oceania Blazes the Trail

Australia made history in June by becoming the first member association to book their ticket to London 2026. At the ITTF Oceania Championships 2025, both Australian teams secured qualification in commanding fashion, opening the floodgates for regional representation.

Joining Australia’s men were New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Tahiti, whilst the women’s competition saw New Zealand, Tahiti, and Cook Islands earn their spots alongside the dominant Australians. These eight teams have already secured their places in history, ready to compete where the sport’s journey began in 1926.

Asia Returns to India for Historic Championships

The 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships has arrived in Bhubaneswar, marking the return of Asia’s premier team event to India after a 16-year hiatus. The Kalinga Stadium Athletics Centre in Odisha—what Indian head coach Massimo Constantini calls a “citadel of sports”—is hosting an Asian-level table tennis championship for the first time.

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The qualification pathway to London has already begun across Asia’s regions. Kazakhstan swept both team titles at the Central Asia Regional Championships, India claimed victory in both events at the South Asia Regional Championships, whilst the West Asia Regional Championships saw Bahrain’s men and Syria’s women secure their World Championships berths.

With 13 teams per gender qualifying from Asia overall, the continental championships will determine the remaining spots for London. China arrive as overwhelming favourites across both events. Their men’s lineup features world-class talent in Lin Shidong, Wang Chuqin, and Liang Jingkun, whilst the women’s squad boasts Olympic champions Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, and Chen Xingtong.

Japan present the strongest challenge to Chinese supremacy. Harimoto Tomokazu leads a dynamic men’s team including rising stars Matsushima Sora and Shinozuka Hiroto, whilst the women’s squad—featuring Harimoto Miwa, Hayata Hina, and Hashimoto Honoka—will be determined to challenge for continental glory.

Korea Republic bring formidable depth with Jang Woojin and Shin Yubin anchoring their campaigns, whilst the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea return to continental competition with strong squads led by Ri Jong Sik and Cha Su Yong.

India, having secured direct entry to the main draw following last year’s bronze medal, will look to build on recent success. “We are coming from a very important tournament and a good training camp in China over the last month,” said Constantini. “The players are well-prepared, and now we have to deploy our strategies once we know our opponents.”

Hong Kong, China and Chinese Taipei round out the main draw entries, setting the stage for intense competition amongst Asia’s elite. With 22 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams competing, the battle for the remaining London qualification spots promises to be fierce.

Europe’s Elite Gather in Zadar

Croatia’s coastal city of Zadar is hosting the European Team Championships at the Višnjik Sports Hall, where 24 teams per gender are battling for continental supremacy and World Championships qualification.

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France enter as the men’s top seeds, with teenage sensation Felix Lebrun leading a formidable lineup alongside his brother Alexis and the experienced Simon Gauzy. However, Sweden’s defending champions won’t relinquish their crown easily, with Anton Kallberg and Kristian Karlsson ready to defend their Malmö triumph.

Germany’s women seek to equal the Netherlands’ historic record of four consecutive European team titles. With Sabine Winter, Nina Mittelham, and Yuan Wan anchoring their squad, they’re one step away from immortality. Romania’s women, led by world number two Bernadette Szocs and Elizabeta Samara, remain the only team to have defeated the Germans at a European Championship since 2013.

Portugal’s men, seeded fourth with Joao Geraldo and Tiago Apolonia, and Poland’s women, featuring Natalia Bajor and Katarzyna Wegrzyn, will be amongst several nations eyeing podium finishes and crucial London qualification.

The European Championships carries special significance for Croatian legend Zoran Primorac, whose dream of bringing a major tournament to his native Zadar has been realised. The city’s historic connection to table tennis—having hosted the inaugural Top 12 tournament in 1971—adds another layer of prestige to these championships.

Africa’s Battle in Tunis

Tunisia is welcoming the continent’s best to the Salle Multidisciplinaire Rades, where eight teams per gender will qualify for London 2026.

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Egypt arrive as favourites in both events, with Omar Assar leading the men’s charge and Dina Meshref captaining a women’s squad that includes the talented Alhodaby sisters, Mariam and Marwa. However, defending men’s champions Nigeria will be determined to retain their crown.

The Nigerian men’s team sees the return of Mati Taiwo after nearly three years away from national duty. Now based in France and competing regularly at WTT events, Mati has earned his recall through strong performances at the West Africa Regional Championships. He joins captain Olajide Omotayo, Muizz Adegoke, Kuti Matthew, and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai in a youthful squad brimming with confidence despite the absence of veteran Aruna Quadri.

“We’re full of energy and can go a long way,” said Mati. “I feel we can cause an upset.”

Tunisia’s teams will enjoy passionate home support, whilst South Africa, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda all harbour realistic hopes of securing World Championships qualification.

Pan America’s Finest Head to Rock Hill

For the first time in history, the ITTF Pan American Championships have come to the United States, with Rock Hill, South Carolina hosting the 8th edition at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center.

[Follow results here] | [Watch live here]

Brazil’s men are led by world number seven Hugo Calderano, the continent’s brightest star, supported by Leonardo Iizuka and Guilherme Teodoro. The women’s team features the Takahashi sisters, Bruna and Giulia, alongside Laura Watanabe, forming a formidable unit.

Puerto Rico’s women, spearheaded by Adriana Diaz and including her sister Fabiola, will challenge Brazilian supremacy, whilst Canada’s squads bring experience through Eugene Wang and Mo Zhang.

The host United States, led by multi-time Olympians Kanak Jha and Lily Zhang, will compete before home crowds just three years before Los Angeles hosts the Olympic Games. With 17 member associations represented and a straight single-elimination format ensuring maximum drama, Rock Hill promises to deliver thrilling encounters with no second chances.

The Road Leads to London

When the inaugural World Table Tennis Championships took place in London in 1926, few could have imagined how the sport would evolve into the global phenomenon it is today. That year also marked the founding of the ITTF, making London 2026 a double centenary celebration.

With Oceania having shown the way and four continents now poised to determine their representatives, the road to London continues. By Sunday evening, we will know which teams have taken their place in table tennis history, ready to celebrate a century of sporting excellence in the city where it all began

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