The ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2026 presented by integrated resort operator Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) will be held at Galaxy Arena in Cotai from March 30 to April 5, with tickets going on sale on Friday.
Sanctioned by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), the event is organised by the Sports Bureau (ID), GEG and World Table Tennis (WTT) Management Group Limited, and co-organised by the Macau Table Tennis General Association (MTTGA).
At yesterday’s press conference, Sports Bureau Acting President See Lei Si Leng pointed out that Macau has hosted several major international table tennis events in recent years, noting that the successful staging of the ITTF World Cup in 2024 and last year drew “enthusiastic support from residents and visitors”, while helping drive sports tourism and related sectors.
“ITTF’s continued sanctioning of Macau to host the World Cup this year represents trust and recognition by the international sports community in Macau’s capability to stage major sporting events,” she said.
Meanwhile, GEG Director Philip Cheng Yee Sing said they are honoured to organise the tournament for the third consecutive year. This year also marks the ITTF’s 100th anniversary. “We look forward to working together again to deliver a world-class, international table tennis event in Macau,” Cheng said, adding that Galaxy Arena has become a key stage for the global competition.
The competition will feature 48 male and female elite players. Defending champions Hugo Calderano of Brazil and the Chinese mainland’s Sun Yingsha are set to return, alongside leading national team members including Wang Chuqin, Lin Shidong, Liang Jingkun and Wang Manyu, according to a statement by the bureau yesterday. Young champions Kawakami Ryuusei of Japan and the Chinese mainland’s Qin Yuxuan will also compete, together with qualifiers from Continental Cups and world rankings, the statement said.
The event will be held in two stages. Stage 1 consists of 16 round-robin groups of three players each, with best-of-five matches. The top player from each group advances to Stage 2, a knockout draw featuring best-of-seven matches. Stage 1 group matches from March 30 to April 1 will be held in two daily sessions at 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The round of 16 on April 2 and 3, as well as the quarter-finals on April 4, will begin at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. The semi-finals will start at 11 a.m. on April 5, followed by the final at 7:30 p.m. Both Easter Sunday and Ching Ming Festival fall on April 5 this year.
Tickets will go on sale at 12 p.m. on Friday through platforms including Galaxy Ticketing and MacauTicket.com. Prices range from 90 to 1,720 patacas depending on session and seating, The statement said, noting that each person may purchase up to four tickets each time. Holders of full-time Macau Student Cards, residents aged 65 or above and Disability Assessment Registration Card holders can enjoy a 20 percent discount for sessions held between March 30 and April 3 when purchasing their tickets via MacauTicket.com, subject to availability.
Cheng expressed confidence that the centenary edition of the World Cup will deliver another world-class sporting spectacle while showcasing Macau’s appeal as a “tourism + sports” destination.
Sports Bureau (ID) ID Acting President See Lei Si Leng (up) and Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) Director Philip Cheng Yee Sing address yesterday’s “International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2026” press conference at the Galaxy International Convention Centre (GICC) in Cotai yesterday. – Photos: Khalel Vallo
