Twelve men’s and thirteen women’s teams from Africa will compete at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London from April 28 to May 10, with continental powerhouses Egypt and Nigeria leading the charge.
This year’s tournament is especially historic, marking the centenary of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships. First staged in England in 1926, the sport now returns to its birthplace for a landmark celebration.
The 2026 edition will feature 64 men’s and 64 women’s teams battling across 13 days at two iconic London venues. Competition unfolds in three stages: Stage 1B group matches to determine qualification pathways, Stage 1A seeding matches for top-ranked teams, and Stage 2 knockout rounds showcasing the world’s finest in pursuit of global supremacy.
African teams will begin their campaigns on April 28, aiming to clear the preliminary rounds at the Copper Box Arena and secure spots in the knockouts. Egypt and Nigeria headline the men’s contingent, joined by Algeria, Madagascar, Benin Republic, Tunisia, Morocco, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, South Africa, and Cameroon.
On the women’s side, Egypt’s Hana Goda—the continent’s highest-ranked female player—will spearhead the challenge. Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Benin Republic, DR Congo, Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Ethiopia, and Madagascar will also vie for knockout berths.
Opening fixtures include Egypt versus South Africa in the women’s draw, while Algeria, led by the Morice sisters Tania and Jade, face Belgium. Ghana will meet Adriana Díaz’s Puerto Rico, Madagascar’s men take on Mongolia, and Uganda and Rwanda’s women clash with India and Ukraine respectively. Angola’s women will battle Austria, and Benin Republic’s men face Serbia.
With Africa’s finest talents on display, the continent’s teams are determined to make their mark on this centenary edition of the World Championships.
...All Eyes on Egypt, Nigeria in London
African table tennis stars will take center stage when the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships kick off on Tuesday, April 28, in London.
From Africa’s top-ranked players—Omar Assar and Hana Goda of Egypt—to seasoned campaigner Quadri Aruna of Nigeria and Algeria’s teenage sensations Tania and Jade Morice, fans at the Copper Box Arena will have plenty of talent to cheer.
Egypt, widely regarded as one of the continent’s heavyweights, is expected to advance comfortably to the knockout rounds in both the men’s and women’s events. Assar will lead the men’s team in Group 11 against Thailand, Turkey, and Kazakhstan, with the top two teams progressing. On the women’s side, world No. 20 Hana Goda spearheads Egypt’s squad in Group 3, facing familiar African rivals South Africa and Algeria, alongside Belgium.
Nigeria’s large diaspora in London will be eager to watch Aruna lead the men’s team against Hong Kong, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. However, the Nigerian women’s team faces challenges, with only veterans Fatimo Bello and Ajoke Ojomu bringing experience. Rising players Sukurat Aiyelabegan and Hope Udoaka may yet surprise, despite criticism of the team’s selection. Many observers argue that younger talents should have been given the opportunity for exposure at this level.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s teenage duo, Tania and Jade Morice, will make their senior championship debut, adding youthful energy to the North African side.
With Egypt and Nigeria leading the charge, and Algeria’s new generation stepping onto the global stage, African hopes are high as the continent’s finest players begin their quest for glory in London.
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