Nigeria has been handed a challenging draw at the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals, after being placed in Group 15 alongside Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.
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The draw ceremony took place on Monday at The Shard in London, officially launching the build-up to the centenary edition of the World Championships, which will run from April 28 to May 10, 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, ITTF President Petra Sörling highlighted the historic significance of the event.
“From London to London, we have come full circle,” she said.
“England has hosted the World Championships on seven occasions, but returning to where it all began makes this centenary edition truly special. This event is already historic, but I am confident it will also be unforgettable.”
Nigeria’s men’s team, led by Africa’s top-ranked player Quadri Aruna, will face stiff competition in Group 15.
Hong Kong arrive with a crop of highly rated young talents, Saudi Arabia remain a growing force in the Middle East, while continental rivals South Africa are expected to pose a serious challenge.
In the women’s event, Nigeria have been drawn in Group 11, where captain Fatimo Bello will lead the team against Australia, Uzbekistan and Wales.
African champions Egypt also learned their group opponents at the ceremony.
The men’s team, spearheaded by Omar Assar, were drawn against Kazakhstan, Turkey and Thailand, while Egypt’s women, led by rising star Hana Goda, will compete in Group 11 alongside Algeria, South Africa and Syria.
Defending champions China, winners of the last 11 editions, headline men’s Group 1 with hosts England, five-time champions Sweden and Korea Republic. France, silver medallists at the previous edition, will contest Group 2 against Japan, Germany and Chinese Taipei.
In the women’s competition, hosts England were drawn in Group 2 with Japan, Germany and France, while 23-time champions China top Group 1 alongside Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei and Romania.
The ceremony was attended by several leading figures in world table tennis, including ITTF President and IOC Member Petra Sörling, ITTF Executive Vice President Beatrice Romanescu, World Table Tennis CEO Steve Dainton, Chair of Table Tennis International Events Richard Scruton, Table Tennis England Chair Clare Briegal MBE, Table Tennis England President and former World Championship medallist Jill Parker MBE, England men’s player and three-time Olympian Paul Drinkhall, ITTF Nominations Committee Chair Sandra Deaton, and UK Sport Deputy Director Esther Britten MBE.
According to the competition format, the top eight seeds in each event will compete in Stage 1a at the OVO Arena Wembley from May 2–3, with all teams progressing to Stage 2.
Group results will determine seedings for the knockout phase. Stage 1b will be staged at the Copper Box Arena from April 28 to May 1, where 56 teams in each competition will battle for the remaining 24 places in the Main Draw.
The London 2026 Championships mark exactly 100 years since the inaugural World Table Tennis Championships were held in the city in 1926, making it the most significant and historic edition of the tournament.
