The event will mark 100 years after the city staged the first World Championships in 1926 alongside the foundation of the ITTF.

Competition is set to take place at the Wembley Arena in May 2026 while practice facilities will be held at Wembley Stadium's Great Hall. 

It will be the first time that England has hosted the World Championships since 1997 and the first time since 1954 that the capital city has played host.

London was awarded the Championships over Bangkok following a vote from delegates during the ITTF's Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Thailand's capital.

"This is the most fantastic news we could have wished for," said Table Tennis England chief executive Adrian Christy.

"The global table tennis family has put its faith in Table Tennis England to deliver a memorable Championships in London, and I can promise that is exactly what we will do.

"To bring the centenary World Championships back to the city where it all began is a huge honour and a massive boost for the sport in this country.

"The hard work begins now, and we can’t wait to get started on delivering the greatest table tennis show on earth, alongside the exciting impact projects we have planned."

The AGM vote followed a final presentation to delegates by each bid city. 

Both London and Bangkok had previously submitted detailed technical information about how they would stage the Championships.

As well as the historical element of wanting to host the centenary edition, the London bid was based on being "the most environmentally sustainable Championships to date."

Both the Wembley Arena and Wembley Stadium are within 20 metres from the main Championship hotel which will house the majority of athletes.

The centre of London is under 20 minutes away on the London Underground and the whole event is based around public transport and the ease of accessibility.

"I am proud that London is hosting the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships," said Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. 

"Bringing the centenary tournament back to our great city where it began is a fantastic boost for both local sport and the economy, and it will also be the most environmentally sustainable championships to date.

"London is the sporting capital of the world, from grassroots to the elite level, and I look forward to Wembley putting on a memorable show."

The AGM also ratified the ITTF Council's decision to award the 2025 and 2026 World Youth Championships to Romania and Bahrain, respectively.

Today saw the final day of this year's ITTF Summit which was the second edition of the event.

It resulted in the adoption of a new strategic plan which will focus on governance and sustainability, business growth, and society and health. 

"We are thrilled with the tremendous success of the 2023 ITTF Summit," said ITTF President Petra Sörling. 

"The insightful discussions, transformative decisions, and captivating bids have left an indelible mark on the future of table tennis. 

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners who have contributed to this remarkable event and most importantly thank you to Table Tennis Association of Thailand for hosting a tremendous Summit."

The next edition of the Summit is set to take place in the South Korean city of Busan in 2024, following the 2024 World Table Tennis Team Championships, due to be held from February 16 to 25.