Istanbul, Turkey, is set to host the 2026 European Men’s and Women’s Team Badminton Championships from February 11-15, but the path to the final tournament is now clearer following the completion of the qualification stage. Bulgaria secured their spot in the women’s competition, while France emerged victorious in the men’s event, setting the stage for a compelling showdown in Istanbul next year. The qualification process, held between December 3 and 7, 2025, across five European cities, determined which nations would join the host country, Turkey, in the championship.
Women’s Qualification: Bulgaria Dominates in Sofia
The Bulgarian women’s team demonstrated their strength by topping Group 1, hosted in Sofia, earning them a direct qualification spot. They finished with a perfect 3-0 record, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the qualification stage. Bulgaria accumulated 13 match points, with a significant +11 game difference, winning 26 games and losing only 6. Their overall point differential stood at an impressive +20 and they tallied 616 points for and 466 against, resulting in a point difference of +150.
Switzerland secured the second qualifying position in Group 1, posting a 2-1 record. Ireland finished third with a 1-2 record, while Portugal concluded the group without a win, going 0-3. The qualification stage saw teams battling for a limited number of spots, intensifying the competition and highlighting the growing talent within European badminton.
Group-by-Group Breakdown of Women’s Qualification
Beyond Group 1, the qualification stage unfolded across several other locations. In Caldas da Rainha, Ukraine qualified, while France secured their place in Druskininkai. Germany advanced from Kelkheim, and Estonia emerged victorious from Tallinn. The Czech Republic rounded out the qualifying teams, winning their group in Milton Keynes.
Here’s a summary of the qualification results by group:
- Group 1 (Sofia): Bulgaria (Qualified), Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal
- Group 2 (Caldas da Rainha): Ukraine (Qualified), Hungary, Belgium, Azerbaijan
- Group 3 (Druskininkai): France (Qualified), Israel, Poland, Lithuania
- Group 4 (Kelkheim): Germany (Qualified), Sweden, Finland, Iceland
- Group 5 (Tallinn): Estonia (Qualified), Spain, Italy, Netherlands
- Group 6 (Milton Keynes): Czech Republic (Qualified), England, Slovakia, Slovenia
Each group winner automatically advanced to the final tournament in Istanbul. The competition was fierce, with several closely contested matches determining the qualifying teams. The results reflect the increasing competitiveness of women’s badminton across Europe.
Bulgaria vs. Portugal: A Closer Appear at a Key Match
A notable match during the qualification stage saw Bulgaria defeat Portugal 5-0 in Sofia on December 4, 2025. The match, played at the Europe Badminton Hall, Court 1, showcased Bulgaria’s dominance. Kaloyana Nalbantova defeated Mariana Paiva 21-15, 21-9, while Hristomira Popovska overcame Madalena Fortunato 21-13, 21-15. Gergana Pavlova secured a win against Mafalda Avelino with a score of 21-13, 22-20. The doubles pairing of Tsvetina Popivanova and Stefani Stoeva triumphed over Catarina Martins and Mariana Neves 21-9, 21-13, and Gergana Pavlova and Hristomira Popovska defeated Mariana Afonso and Madalena Fortunato 21-10, 21-14.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Championships in Istanbul
With the qualification stage complete, attention now turns to the main event in Istanbul. The Başakşehir Sports Complex will host the championships, promising a thrilling competition between Europe’s top badminton teams. The 2026 edition marks the 10th time the European Men’s and Women’s Team Badminton Championships will be held.
France will enter the men’s competition as the defending champions, having won the previous edition. Bulgaria, fresh off their successful qualification campaign, will be looking to make a strong showing in the women’s event. Denmark and England are too expected to be strong contenders in both categories, adding to the anticipation surrounding the tournament.
The championships represent a significant event for European badminton, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete for national pride. Fans can expect a high level of competition, exciting matches, and a celebration of the sport’s growing popularity across the continent.
Medalists from the 2026 Championships
The 2026 Championships saw France take gold in the Men’s Team event, with Denmark and England securing silver and bronze respectively. In the Women’s Team event, Bulgaria emerged victorious, followed by Denmark and Ukraine who claimed silver and bronze.
The next official update regarding schedules and further details about the Istanbul championships will be released by Badminton Europe. Fans are encouraged to follow Badminton Europe’s official channels for the latest news and information.
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