German Teams Fall Short in Group Stage

Germany’s hopes for a medal at the 2026 European Men’s and Women’s Team Championships in Istanbul were dashed as both teams crashed out in the group phase, ending a remarkable medal-winning streak since the event’s inception in 2006.

Men’s Team: Close but No Cigar Against Sweden

For the German men’s selection, the starting position before the final group game was clear. A win against their immediate rivals from Sweden was necessary in order to reach the semi-finals.

The Germans fought valiantly but succumbed to a narrow 2-3 loss, eliminating them from the competition. Aaron Sonnenschein’s defeat in the decisive third men’s singles against Gabriel Ulldahl (13:21, 8:21) was a significant turning point. Prior to this, the team had shown promise with a convincing 4-1 win against hosts Türkiye.

Women’s Team: Clear Defeat to Ukraine

The women’s team also has to travel home after the group games. In the decisive duel with Ukraine there was a clear 1:4 defeat.

This loss solidified the women’s team’s early elimination, ending their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

An End to a Long-Standing Streak

Since the European Men’s and Women’s Team Championships began in 2006, Germany had consistently been among the medal winners. This impressive run came to an abrupt end in Istanbul.