IThe stage is set for an unforgettable year in table tennis as the 2026 calendar takes shape
The 2026 table tennis year promises to be one for the history books, with a packed calendar that celebrates both the sport’s rich heritage and its exciting future. From prestigious ITTF World Championships to the dynamic WTT Series, players and fans can expect twelve months of world-class competition.
A Century of Excellence
The year holds extraordinary significance as 2026 marks a double centenary – 100 years since both the inaugural Table Tennis World Championships were held in London and the founding of the ITTF itself in 1926. In a fitting tribute to this historic milestone, the World Table Tennis Championships Finals return to London from 28 April to 10 May, bringing the sport full circle to where it all began a century ago.
This historic moment will see the world’s best players compete in the capital city that first hosted table tennis on the global stage, creating a bridge between the sport’s storied past and its bright future.
The ITTF calendar features several cornerstone events that will define the competitive landscape:
- ITTF Continental Cups take place in early February, showcasing regional excellence
- ITTF Singles World Cup 2026 arrives in late March/early April
- ITTF World Team Championships Finals London 2026 (28 April – 10 May) an historic centenary celebration
- ITTF World Masters Championships 2026 (5 – 12 June) returns to the calendar after the record-breaking 2024 edition in Rome
- ITTF Continental Championships roll out in October
- ITTF World Para Championships 2026, will see the world’s best Para stars battle for the title in Q4 of the year.
- ITTF World Youth Championships 2026 will provide a platform for the next generation at the end of the year
- ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2026 caps off the year in late November/early December
These ITTF events form the backbone of the international calendar, offering players crucial ranking points and the chance to represent their countries on the sport’s biggest stages.
Beyond the ITTF events, the year features an expanded network of international competitions through the WTT Series. The calendar includes the four prestigious Grand Smashes – Singapore, United States, Europe (Sweden), and China – alongside an extensive roster of WTT Champions, Star Contender, and Contender events spanning from January through December.
The appetite for hosting table tennis events continues to grow, with over 30 hosting bids received from around the world, demonstrating the sport’s expanding global footprint and the enthusiasm of cities to be part of the table tennis ecosystem.
As we approach this landmark year, the table tennis community can look forward to witnessing history in the making – both in honouring our centenary heritage and in writing new chapters of sporting excellence.
The 2026 season represents a celebration of how far table tennis has come and a glimpse of where it’s heading. With world-class venues, passionate fans, and the planet’s best players ready to compete, 2026 is shaping up to be a year that will be remembered for generations.