The Badminton World Federation (BWF) today confirms Egypt as the new host of the BWF World Junior Championships 2026.
This follows the decision by Badminton Indonesia (PBSI) earlier this year to relinquish its hosting rights for the championships.
The 2026 edition of the BWF World Junior Championships will mark the second time and first in 24 years a BWF Major Championship is staged in Africa, following South Africa’s hosting of the BWF World Junior Championships in 2002. The tournament will take place in the same year as the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which is also in Africa.
As part of the host selection process, BWF held productive and constructive discussions with the Egyptian Badminton Federation (EBF) over several weeks. Appointing a new host in a timely manner was a priority for BWF to ensure the smooth continuation of this flagship world title event on the junior badminton calendar.
BWF thanks EBF for submitting a considered, professional, and robust hosting proposal. BWF and EBF have confirmed the support of key government partners and authorities to ensure the successful delivery of the championships and the safe arrival, stay and departure of all participants.
The championships will be played at the Cairo International Stadium, with dates and competition schedule to be confirmed in due course. The BWF Council has also confirmed the 3×55 relay scoring system will be used for the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships.
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said of the announcement: “The BWF World Junior Championships is a cornerstone of the elite development pathway and it was essential for BWF to appoint a host that can deliver this event to the highest standard. Egypt’s proposal demonstrated clear readiness and ambition, and bringing the championships to Africa for the first time since 2002 is a decisive step in expanding the global footprint of badminton.
“Taking place in the same year as the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, this championship strengthens momentum for the sport across Africa and will help inspire and develop the next generation of players on the continent. BWF will continue to drive badminton forward in every dimension, with a firm commitment to elevating badminton as a truly global sport and a sport of choice that is accessible to people everywhere, across all communities, genders, ages and abilities.”
Egypt Minister of Youth and Sports, His Excellency, Mr. Gohar Nabil said: “Hosting the BWF World Junior Championships 2026 is a testament to our nation’s world-class infrastructure and reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence within the international arenas.
“The Egyptian Government fully supports this event, allocating all necessary resources to guarantee a remarkable experience for athletes, delegations and fans from all over the world. This is not just a championship. It is a strategic milestone that will solidify our country`s position as a premier destination for major international events.”
EBF President Dr. Hadia Hosny said: “Winning the bid to host the BWF World Junior Championships marks a defining moment for Egyptian badminton. We look forward to welcoming the world and creating a lasting legacy for youth development in our sport. This proud moment underscores our ambition to position Egypt as a leading hub for badminton in Africa and beyond.”
Egypt is a recipient of BWF’s Enhanced Membership Grant Programme, a targeted initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of Member Associations in countries of strategic importance and with strong growth potential for the sport.
BWF is delighted to see Egypt progress to hosting a BWF Major Championship, reflecting the federation’s continued development and Egypt’s growing role within the global badminton community.
Contact: [email protected]
Lloyd Green
BWF Deputy Director of Communications
Mobile: +60 19-384 0556
Dianne Pierre
Communications & Media Manager
Mobile: +60 19-220 4616
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