India’s men’s and women’s table tennis teams have learned their group-stage opponents for the historic 2026 ITTF World Team Championships, as the draw sets the stage for a challenging road to the knockout rounds in the centenary edition of the tournament.
The women’s team finds itself in Group 6, drawn alongside Ukraine, Uganda, and Rwanda, as both squads prepare to open their campaigns in the preliminary phase.
All teams competing in Stage 1b will need to finish top of their respective four-team groups to secure direct qualification to the knockout rounds, which begin from the Round of 32. In addition, the six best second-placed teams across all groups will also progress automatically, adding an extra layer of competition in the group stage.
For the remaining eight teams finishing second in their groups, the path forward will be more demanding. These sides will contest an additional knockout round among themselves, with only the winners earning a place in the main draw.
The 2026 edition of the ITTF World Team Championships will commence with Stage 1a, featuring the highest-ranked teams who have already secured direct entry into the knockout rounds. This structure ensures a competitive build-up before the tournament reaches its decisive phases.
Beyond the on-table battles, the upcoming championships hold special significance for world table tennis. The 2026 tournament marks 100 years since the inaugural World Team Championships in 1926, making it a landmark edition in the sport’s global calendar.
With group rivals confirmed and qualification scenarios clearly defined, the Indian men’s and women’s teams will now turn their focus to preparation, aiming to navigate the group stage successfully and make a strong impact in the knockout rounds of this centenary event.
Women’s Groups
Group 1: China, Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei, Romania
Group 2: Japan, Germany, France, England
Group 3: Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Syria
Group 4: Hong Kong (China), Mexico, Netherlands, Macao (China)
Group 5: Brazil, Czechia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia
Group 6: India, Ukraine, Uganda, Rwanda
Group 7: Sweden, Canada, Tunisia, Sri Lanka
Group 8: Thailand, Serbia, Iran, Benin
Group 9: Poland, Spain, Korea DPR, Congo Democratic
Group 10: Portugal, Luxembourg, Cuba, Guatemala
Group 11: Australia, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Wales
Group 12: USA, Malaysia, Tahiti, Dominican Republic
Group 13: Croatia, Italy, Argentina, Turkey
Group 14: Puerto Rico, Austria, Ghana, Angola
Group 15: Singapore, Hungary, Cook Islands, Ethiopia
Group 16: Chile, Slovak Republic, Madagascar, Nauru
