The race for the eight available African team slots at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships intensifies today, October 17, at the ongoing 2025 ITTF Africa Championships, held at the Rades Multidisciplinary Complex in the coastal city of Tunis, Tunisia.

A total of 16 men’s and 14 women’s teams began their campaigns from the group stage, with Egypt and Nigeria seeded as the top contenders. All eyes are on qualification for the prestigious global tournament, set to take place in London—the birthplace of table tennis.

The 2026 edition of the World Team Championships also marks the centenary celebration of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), adding extra significance to the battle for qualification in Tunis.

Egypt, the defending champions in both the men’s and women’s events, is fielding a formidable squad led by newly crowned singles champions Omar Assar and Hana Goda.

Nigeria, however, is competing without Africa’s top-ranked male player, Quadri Aruna, a notable absence that has impacted their singles campaign, with no Nigerian reaching the quarterfinals. The team managed a bronze medal in the Men’s Doubles event.

Despite the setback, returning team member Taiwo Mati remains optimistic. “We really missed our captain, but that notwithstanding, we’re ready to face any team in the competition. We all want to go to London in 2026, and we’re hopeful of clinching one of the tickets,” Mati said.

Host nation Tunisia is banking on star player Wassim Essid, while rising talents like Youssef Aidli are expected to step up when it matters most.

Algeria, led by Mehdi Bouloussa and veteran Sami Kherouf, is brimming with confidence and determined to challenge Egypt’s dominance in the team events.