Petra Sörling, president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and member of the International Olympic Committee, is confident that London will host the “best” final of the ITTF Table Tennis World Championships ever in 2026.
On Wednesday (October 22i.e), Sörling visited the capital together with an ITTF delegation, including Steve Dainton, ITTF Group CEO, and Bart Vermoesen, ITTF Event Director, to see how preparations are progressing, with the sport already changing lives in local communities.
Next year’s tournament, 100 years after London hosted the first edition, serves as a powerful moment that comes full circle and celebrates the sport’s heritage. Returning to its birthplace, London 2026 will be a unique celebration of the history, excellence and evolution of the sport.
Sörling said: “I am confident that London will host the best ever finals of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships next year. The city truly understands what it means to host great sporting moments, and the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships will not only celebrate the sport at the highest level, but also leave a lasting legacy for the future by inspiring the next generation of players.”
In the morning, Sörling visited OVO Arena Wembley, the main venue and centerpiece of the main tournament on May 2i.e to 10eto see what progress is already being made as London prepares to welcome table tennis home. London’s Copper Box Arena and OVO Arena Wembley will host 64 men’s and 64 women’s national teams, the largest and most inclusive edition in the event’s history.
The centenary final of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships provides an opportunity to not only reflect on the sport, but also celebrate its future – as the world’s best athletes compete in Britain.
With unprecedented global demand expected, fans are urged to register now at London-2026.com to ensure they don’t miss this historic return of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals to London – 100 years later than where it all began.
Sörling’s visit comes as WTT Star Contender London 2025 takes place between October 21st and October 26e at the Copper Box Arena, showcasing Table Tennis England’s readiness in preparation for the 2026 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals.
Steve Dainton, CEO of the ITTF Group, highlighted: “What we are seeing in London is a perfect example of synergy between the WTT Series and the ITTF’s most prestigious event. Over recent years, Table Tennis England has successfully hosted several WTT events, building valuable experience and readiness to host the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2026. This will be a milestone, supported by the entire ITTF Group, to ensure its success and celebrate 100 years of table tennis.”
The milestone visit also serves as a springboard for positivity, inspiring new players and strengthening communities. To see the impact already being made, ITTF President Sörling visited Ilford Ping Hub in East London on Wednesday afternoon, a community space that provides free tables, equipment and open access to locals. The project is part of Ping for the People, the official social impact program for the centenary.
Table tennis is one of England’s fastest growing and most inclusive sports, with an 11% increase in adults playing the sport regularly since 2022, according to Sport England’s Active Lives Survey 2023-24. 288,000 children and young people participate every week, with an impressive 5.2% of school-aged boys involved each week. The Ping for the People project aims to build strong, social connections for children and young people, helping to improve the mental and physical health of everyone involved.
Sally Lockyer, Chief Executive Officer of Table Tennis England, said: “The ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2026 will be a transformative moment for table tennis in the UK and globally. Participation is already increasing in the UK and the historic ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2026 will accelerate this trend. Great Britain is home to global sporting events and we are confident the event will set a new benchmark for the sport.”
Simon Morton, UK Sport Deputy CEO and Director of Events, Sporting System & External Affairs, added: “The ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships promises to be a unique showcase for the sport and we are delighted that the event is returning to these shores for the first time in a century. We look forward to seeing the event have a positive impact on the lives of people in London and beyond and are determined to continue to bring events to Britain that reach, inspire and unite the nation.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and I am delighted that we will host the final of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships in 2026.
“London hosted the first ever World Championships a century ago and it is fitting that this prestigious tournament is held here in the capital to mark its 100th anniversary.
“We look forward to welcoming the best players in the world, who will delight Londoners and fans while inspiring the next generation of champions, as we work together to build a better London for all.”
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