Egypt Named Host of BWF World Junior Championships 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – In a landmark move for international badminton, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has officially announced Egypt as the host for the BWF World Junior Championships 2026.
The decision marks a historic return of elite badminton to the African continent. This will be the first time in 24 years that a BWF Major Championship has been staged in Africa, following South Africa’s hosting of the same event back in 2002.
A Strategic Pivot to Africa
The appointment comes after Badminton Indonesia (PBSI) relinquished its hosting rights earlier this year. Following weeks of “productive and constructive” discussions with the Egyptian Badminton Federation (EBF), the BWF moved swiftly to ensure the flagship event remained on track.
The 2026 championships are set to be part of a massive year for African sports, coinciding with the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
“Bringing the championships to Africa for the first time since 2002 is a decisive step in expanding the global footprint of badminton,” said BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. “Egypt’s proposal demonstrated clear readiness and ambition.”
World-Class Infrastructure
The tournament will be held at the prestigious Cairo International Stadium. While specific dates and competition schedules are still being finalized, the BWF Council confirmed that the 3×55 relay scoring system will be utilized for the Mixed Team Championships.
Key Highlights of the Bid:
- Government Backing: Full support from Egyptian authorities to ensure athlete safety and logistical excellence.
- Legacy Building: A focus on utilizing the BWF’s Enhanced Membership Grant Programme to grow the sport locally.
- Strategic Milestone: Positioning Egypt as a premier destination for global sporting events.
Voices from the Leadership
The Egyptian government has signaled that it is sparing no expense for the event. His Excellency Mr. Gohar Nabil, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, stated that the nation is “allocating all necessary resources to guarantee a remarkable experience.”
Dr. Hadia Hosny, President of the EBF, called the successful bid a “defining moment” for the nation. “We look forward to welcoming the world and creating a lasting legacy for youth development in our sport,” she added.
At a Glance: BWF World Junior Championships 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Egypt |
| Venue | Cairo International Stadium |
| Previous African Host | South Africa (2002) |
| Key Scoring Format | 3×55 relay (Mixed Team) |
| Supporting Initiative | BWF Enhanced Membership Grant Programme |
This announcement reinforces the BWF’s commitment to making badminton a “truly global sport,” providing a high-profile platform for the next generation of athletes to shine in a rising hub of international competition.
