2026 European Men’s and Women’s Team Badminton Championships
February 11 – February 15 EEST
The wait is almost over. From February 11 to 15, 2026, the eyes of the badminton world will turn to the historic city of Istanbul, Türkiye, for the 2026 European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships (EMWTC).
This isn’t just another tournament; it is the ultimate test of depth, strategy, and national pride. Organized by the Türkiye Badminton Federation on behalf of Badminton Europe, the event will see the continent’s elite squads battle for the title of European Champions. With the official team line-ups now confirmed, the stage is set for a week of high-octane shuttling.
The Powerhouses: Can Anyone Dethrone Denmark?
Denmark enters the 2026 championships with their usual aura of dominance, but the rosters suggest they aren’t taking anything for granted.
- The Men’s Squad: Led by world-class talent like Anders Antonsen and the formidable doubles pair of Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, the Danish men remain the team to beat. With depth provided by Rasmus Gemke and the rising Magnus Johannesen, they possess a balanced “total-team” threat.
- The Women’s Squad: The Danish women are equally imposing, featuring the likes of Mia Blichfeldt, Line Højmark Kjærsfeldt, and the versatile Alexandra Bøje. Their experience in high-pressure team environments makes them the clear favorites to top the podium once again.
The Rising Tide: France and Germany
If there is a “changing of the guard” narrative to be found, look no further than France. The French men’s team is arguably at its strongest in history. With the Popov brothers (Toma Junior and Christo) and the sensational young talent Alex Lanier, France has the firepower to push Denmark to the absolute limit.
Germany also brings a robust contingent to Istanbul. On the women’s side, Yvonne Li continues to be a pillar of consistency, supported by a mix of experienced veterans like Isabel Lohau and hungry newcomers. The German men, led by doubles specialist Marvin Seidel, are perennial dark horses capable of upsetting any seed on a given day.
Host Nation Hopes: Türkiye’s Time to Shine
Playing on home soil brings a unique pressure, but for Türkiye, it’s an opportunity to showcase their rapid ascent in the sport. The Turkish fans are known for their vocal support, and the squad will be leaning into that energy.
The women’s team features national icon Neslihan Arin, whose experience at the highest levels of the BWF World Tour will be vital. Alongside Ozge Bayrak and Bengisu Ercetin, the Turkish women aim to leverage the “home-court advantage” to secure a historic medal finish. The men’s side, featuring Emre Lale and a host of young prospects, will look to disrupt the traditional European hierarchy.
Key Teams to Watch
| Country | Players (Men) | Key Players (Women) |
| Denmark | Anders Antonsen, Kim Astrup, William Bøgebjerg, Rasmus Gemke, Ditlev Jaeger Holm, Magnus Johannesen, Christian Faust Kjær, Rasmus Kjær, Daniel Lundgaard, Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, Mads Vestergaard | Natasja P. Anthonisen, Mia Blichfeldt, Alexandra Bøje, Line Christophersen, Julie Dawall Jakobsen, Line Højmark Kjærsfeldt, Amalie Cecilie Kudsk, Amalie Magelund, Amalie Schulz, Kathrine Vang, Mette Werge |
| France | Eloi Adam, Mael Cattoen, Thom Gicquel, Alex Lanier, Arnaud Merkle, Christo Popov, Toma Junior Popov, Lucas Renoir, Leo Rossi, Enogat Roy | Romane Cloteaux-Foucault, Agathe Cuevas, Kathell Desmots-Chacun, Elsa Jacob, Margot Lambert, Leana Laurent, Rosy Oktavia Pancasari, Elena Phan, Camille Pognante, Anna Tatranova, Flavie Vallet |
| England | Nadeem Dalvi, Alex Green, Callum Hemming, Harry Huang, Cholan Kayan, Ben Lane, Kalyan Manoj, Ethan Rose, Zach Russ, Sean Vendy | — |
| Germany | Malik Bourakkadi, Jonathan Dresp, Bjarne Geiss, Jones Ralfy Jansen, Matthias Kicklitz, Simon Krax, Kian-Yu Oei, Vasudevan Sanjeevi Padmanabhan, Justin Seibel, Marvin Seidel, Aaron Sonnenschein, Jan Colin Voelker | Lisa Paula Bonnemann, Selin Hübsch, Stine Kuespert, Amelie Lehmann, Yvonne Li, Isabel Lohau, Leona Michalski, Emma Moszczynski, Thuc Phuong Nguyen, Katharina Nilges, Miranda Wilson |
Tournament Schedule
The championships will follow a rigorous five-day schedule, transitioning from group-stage battles to the high-stakes knockout rounds. All times are local (Istanbul).
Group Stage: Wednesday, 11 February – Friday, 13 February
During the first three days, the competition will focus on the group stages to determine the top contenders for the knockout phase. Each day features two primary sessions:
- 10:30: Women’s Team Group Stage (4 matches per session)
- 14:30: Men’s Team Group Stage (4 matches per session)
Semifinals: Saturday, 14 February
The intensity ramps up on Saturday as the remaining teams battle for a spot in the finals. The semifinals are split into three distinct sessions:
- 10:30: Women’s Team Semifinals (2 matches)
- 14:00: Men’s Team Semifinal (1 match)
- 17:30: Men’s Team Semifinal (1 match)
Finals: Sunday, 15 February
The tournament concludes on Sunday with the crowning of the European Champions.
- 10:00: Women’s Team Final
- 14:30: Men’s Team Final
Note: The draw for the final stage (knockout rounds) will be conducted and published on 13 February following the conclusion of the group stage matches.
How to Follow the Action
For fans unable to make it to the shores of the Bosphorus, Badminton Europe has ensured comprehensive coverage:
- Live Streaming: Every smash, drop, and lift will be broadcast live on BadmintonEurope.tv.
- Official App: Download the Sportity app and use the password 2026EMWTC for real-time schedules, results, and official announcements.
- Final Stage Draw: While the group stages were set in December, the draw for the high-stakes final stage will take place on February 13, determining the path to the trophy.