ITTF holds World Cup in Macau for the third consecutive year

[Photo; Renato Marques]

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Cup is returning to Macau this year, marking the third consecutive year the city has hosted the event.

The tournament will gather the world’s 48 top-ranked male and female players at the Galaxy Arena from March 30 to April 5.

In a recorded speech, ITTF President Petra Sörling said, “For the third consecutive year, Macau – China proves it is the home of world-class table tennis, and this year the stakes have never been higher. Forty-eight of the very best players on the planet, men and women, will battle for the legendary World Cups.”

She also noted that this year’s event carries special historical significance, as 2026 marks the centenary of the ITTF, adding that the World Cup in Macau “is a landmark chapter in that history.”

With a lineup featuring Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha, Hugo Calderano, and Miwa Harimoto, among others, the event is expected to further strengthen Macau’s presence in global sports.

[Photo; Renato Marques]

During yesterday’s press conference unveiling event details, acting president of the Sports Bureau (ID) Lei Si Leng said Macau has consistently hosted major international table tennis events in recent years, including the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup in 2024 and 2025, which she said received enthusiastic support from local residents and international tourists and helped spark global interest in table tennis.

Lei said the synergistic effects of these sporting events are helping drive the development of Macau’s sports industry and are effectively promoting sports tourism and related sectors.

Regarding hosting the World Cup for the third consecutive year, the ID chief said the arrangement reflects confidence and recognition from the international sports community in Macau’s ability to host major sporting events.

Representing title sponsor Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), Philip Cheng, a director at GEG, said the company is honored to help organize the highly anticipated event once again.

“This year, coinciding with the ITTF’s 100th anniversary, we are delighted to continue our support and to join in celebrating the enduring spirit of table tennis during this meaningful milestone,” Cheng said, noting the company’s long-term commitment to supporting sports events and initiatives.

The GEG director also said that as part of the event, GEG will work with the Macau Special Olympics to launch a series of inclusive table tennis activities aimed at promoting inclusion and community sports development while contributing to a healthy and harmonious society in Macau.

Tickets go on sale Friday

At the same press conference, organizers also announced match schedules and ticketing arrangements.

The Stage 1 group matches from March 30 to April 1 will be divided into two sessions per day, with the first session starting at 9:30 a.m. and the second at 5 p.m. For the knockout stages (the round of 16 on April 2 and 3 and the quarterfinals on April 4), the first session will begin at 11 a.m. and the second at 6 p.m.

The semifinals will start at 11 a.m., followed by the final at 7:30 p.m. on April 5.

The first round of ticket sales will begin at 12 p.m. on March 6 (Friday) through several online platforms, including the Damai application and mini program, Galaxy Ticketing, the mCoin and mPass platforms of MPay, and the MacauTicket.com website (Kong Seng Ltd.) and its mobile application.

Tickets are priced between MOP90 and MOP1,720, depending on seating section and match session. Each person may purchase up to four tickets per transaction.

As part of the ITTF centenary celebrations, an official hospitality experience will be offered to provide table tennis fans with premium viewing options, available for purchase through the Damai application and mini program.

Spectators who purchase the official hospitality experience will receive exclusive privileges, including prime seating, access to hospitality lounges, and commemorative souvenirs.

A second-round ticket sale will be announced at a later date.

Organizers also reminded the public to purchase tickets only through official channels to avoid potential scams, noting that ticket reselling is prohibited and may carry legal liability.