Germany Names Seven-Player Squad for 2026 European Table Tennis Championships in Ljubljana: Dang QIU Leads, New Generation Ready

The German table tennis team has announced a seven-player squad for the 2026 European Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The line-up combines some of the country's most decorated names with a new generation ready to make its mark at senior level.

Germany has long been one of the leading forces in European table tennis, with a well-established development system and a steady supply of athletes at the top of major tournaments. Bringing four players who have won European medals, plus an Under 21 champion and an Under 21 runner-up, to Ljubljana underlines a dual ambition: competing for titles now while preparing the next competitive cycle.

Dang QIU - the European champion leading the squad

At 29, Dang QIU is the first name mentioned when discussing Germany's chances in Ljubljana. He knows exactly what it takes to succeed on the European stage, having experienced almost every level of the continent's most prestigious event.

Dang QIU won the Men's Singles crown in Munich in 2026. Previously, he claimed Mixed Doubles gold in Warsaw in 2026 and Team gold in Cluj-Napoca in 2026. In 2026, he helped Germany take Team bronze at the European Championships in Zadar, after finishing as runner-up at the Europe Top 16 in 2026.

At the 2026 European Games in Kraków-Małopolska, Dang QIU added two more gold medals, in Mixed Doubles and the Men's Team event. Beyond European competition, he was part of Germany's silver-medal-winning team at the 2026 World Championships in Chengdu and won Mixed Team bronze at the 2026 World Cup.

Heading into Ljubljana, Dang QIU arrives with strong form after his recent victory at the WTT Star Contender Astana, where he defeated reigning European champion Alexis LEBRUN on his way to the title.

"Every victory gives you additional confidence, and winning a tournament and beating a world-class player like Alexis Lebrun even more so. But the fact is that the cards are reshuffled every day and I have to continue working hard on myself to be in top form at the European Championships. There is also the China Smash in between, where a lot can happen," Dang QIU said.

Benedikt DUDA and the push to rediscover his peak

Alongside Dang QIU, Germany has another major contender in Benedikt DUDA. Two years ago in Linz, he produced his best European Championships Singles result, reaching the final and taking silver behind Alexis LEBRUN. That run marked the beginning of the strongest period of his career.

At 32, Benedikt DUDA owns two European Team titles, from 2026 and 2026, and added bronze at the Europe Top 16 earlier this year.

"That period propelled me all the way to No. 8 in the world ranking. In 2026, however, I haven't progressed beyond the Round of 16 at any WTT tournament so far, and as a result I have dropped considerably in the ranking again. I think that after making that rise, I listened to too many people's opinions instead of consistently continuing on my own path. But I am learning from that and will do better again now," Benedikt DUDA said.

Dimitrij OVTCHAROV - the record holder of European table tennis

Few players in Ljubljana will be able to match the European record of Dimitrij OVTCHAROV. At 38, he won the Men's Singles title in 2026 and 2026 and has eight European Team titles to his name. He returned to the Singles podium in Linz in 2026, taking bronze.

His record extends far beyond Europe, with six Olympic medals and numerous World Championships honours. Even so, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV believes he can still challenge Europe's best.

"I have won two gold medals, one silver and three bronze medals. So the European Championships are a tournament that I have always really enjoyed and where I have usually played very well. My victory over Truls Möregardh a few weeks ago gave me a lot of confidence and the feeling that I can beat anyone and that I still belong among the title contenders. My goal is to win another medal. And once you reach the semi-finals, of course you want to go even further," Dimitrij OVTCHAROV stressed.

Patrick FRANZISKA and a deep well of experience

Patrick FRANZISKA adds further experience to the German line-up. At 34, he is a former Europe Top 16 champion and has won four European Team titles, as well as European Men's Doubles gold in 2026. He also has European Championships medals in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

"The European Championships are as evenly matched as they have been for a long time. There are many very strong players in Europe. Of course, I am once again travelling there with high expectations, but making a prediction is difficult. There are many players who can win the tournament or go very far. That's why you simply have to take it round by round and see what is possible," Patrick FRANZISKA said.

The new generation: Andre BERTELSMEIER and Wim VERDONSCHOT

Germany's challenge will also include two players who earned their places through the 2026 European Under 21 Championships. European Under 21 champion Andre BERTELSMEIER returns to the senior continental stage after reaching the Round of 16 on his European Championships debut in 2026. European Under 21 runner-up Wim VERDONSCHOT, meanwhile, will make his first appearance at the senior event.

"My title at the European Under 21 Championships and reaching the Round of 16 in 2026 show that on a good day I can already cause problems for the leading players. Of course, my goal is also to challenge the established players. However, the depth of quality in Europe is incredibly high. Almost anyone can beat anyone, so every round at the European Championships is a major challenge," Andre BERTELSMEIER said.

Wim VERDONSCHOT is approaching his senior European Championships debut without putting additional pressure on himself.

"Since it is my first senior European Championships, I'll just see what is possible. Of course, I want to get through qualification and then simply see how far the journey takes me. I hope I can produce my best table tennis and get the maximum out of myself," Wim VERDONSCHOT said.

Kay STUMPER completes the squad

Kay STUMPER completes Germany's seven-player squad. Already a European Team champion and World Championships Team silver medallist, he will make his European Individual Championships debut in Ljubljana.

"I simply want to play as well as possible. I'm in good form at the moment and, of course, I would like to go far. I'm familiar with major tournaments, but I haven't played at a European Individual Championships before. I'm really looking forward to it," Kay STUMPER said.

Strength in the doubles events

Beyond the singles events, Germany also brings considerable experience in the Doubles competitions. Dang QIU will partner Benedikt DUDA in Men's Doubles, while Patrick FRANZISKA and Dimitrij OVTCHAROV join forces. The arrangement shows that the German coaching staff want to maximise medal chances on both fronts.

For Dang QIU and Benedikt DUDA, Ljubljana presents an opportunity to add one of the few European honours still missing from their partnership.

"Benne and I are a world-class doubles pair, but surprisingly we really are still missing that European Championships medal. We have been working towards it for quite some time. We hope that, with a little luck, it will finally happen in Ljubljana," Dang QIU said.

Outlook for the German team

With seven players, five of whom have won European titles, Germany enters the 2026 European Championships with one of the strongest squads in the field. The blend of experience from Dimitrij OVTCHAROV, Patrick FRANZISKA and Benedikt DUDA, the form of Dang QIU, and the arrival of Andre BERTELSMEIER, Wim VERDONSCHOT and Kay STUMPER creates a group with both depth and a clear sense of succession.

The level of competition in Ljubljana is expected to be intense, as European table tennis witnesses the rise of a large group of young players and an unprecedented balance among contenders. Patrick FRANZISKA's assessment that the tournament is as evenly matched as it has been for a long time reflects that reality. Even the leading players admit that the gap between the top group and the rest of Europe is narrowing.

For Germany, the goal in Ljubljana is not only a medal in the Men's Singles, but also the long-term confirmation of the country's standing in the sport, now that the next generation has begun to enter Europe's biggest stage. Handing places to two players who have just graduated from the Under 21 ranks shows a deliberate transition plan rather than a short-term fix.

Against that backdrop, the 2026 European Championships in Ljubljana will be an important test for both the veterans and the newcomers of German table tennis.