The stage is set for an epic weekend of table tennis as the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships reach their thrilling conclusion at London's OVO Arena Wembley. After eleven days of intense group-stage and knockout action featuring 64 nations, only four teams remain in both the men's and women's events—and you can catch all the live action on the BBC.
This year's championships carry special significance, marking 100 years since the very first World Table Tennis Championships was held in London at the Memorial Hall on Farringdon Street. The sport has come a long way since then, and the atmosphere at Wembley promises to be electric as history meets modern-day excellence.
All eyes are on China, whose men's and women's teams have dominated the sport like few others in history. The Chinese men's squad is chasing their 12th title out of a possible 13 this century, having won the past eleven championships without a single defeat since falling to Sweden in the 2000 final. World number one Wang Chuqin led the charge in Friday's quarter-final, powering past South Korea 3-0 to set up a tough semi-final against France.
France, however, is no pushover. Brothers Alex and Felix Lebrun—who earned bronze in the team event at the last Olympics—were in blistering form as they defeated Brazil, setting the stage for a rematch of the last World Championships final. In the other men's semi-final, Japan faces Chinese Taipei, who pulled off a stunning 3-2 upset against top seeds Sweden in the quarter-finals. While China remains the heavy favorite to lift the Swaythling Cup, their surprise group-stage losses to Sweden and South Korea have given opponents a glimmer of hope.
On the women's side, China's team has been equally dominant, winning the Corbillon Cup seven times in a row. World number one Sun Yingsha and number two Wang Manyu have been flawless so far, not dropping a single game in London as they prepare to face Romania in the semi-finals. Japan, runners-up to China in the past five World Championships, are also undefeated heading into their semi-final clash with Germany. Olympic singles champion Chen Meng adds even more firepower to the Chinese lineup, making them the team to beat.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the sport, this weekend's matches at Wembley are unmissable. Grab your gear, cheer on your favorites, and witness history in the making—all live on the BBC.