The Sichuan Gymnasium in Chengdu, China has transformed into the epicenter of international table tennis as the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025 officially got underway on November 30. Running through December 7, this prestigious tournament brings together 16 of the world's finest table tennis nations, all vying for the coveted Guoliang-Sorling Trophy in what has become one of the most significant events on the international calendar.

The stakes have never been higher for this tournament. Following the International Olympic Committee's decision to include the Mixed Team format in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, every rally, every match, and every tactical decision now carries implications that extend far beyond this week's competition. National federations are treating Chengdu not just as a World Cup venue, but as a crucial testing ground for Olympic strategies.

Defending champions China enter the tournament as overwhelming favorites, having demolished Korea Republic 8-1 in last year's final. Placed in Group 1, the host nation brings a formidable roster that has dominated international table tennis for decades. The Chinese team will look to defend their title on home soil, with the passionate Chengdu crowd expected to provide a thunderous atmosphere throughout the week.

The tournament format presents a unique challenge that sets it apart from traditional table tennis competitions. Each match consists of five fixtures: mixed doubles, men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, and women's doubles. The first team to accumulate eight points claims victory, creating a dynamic where versatility and depth across all disciplines become paramount. This format demands teams with balanced rosters capable of excelling in both singles and doubles competition.

While China's path appears relatively straightforward on paper, the real drama may unfold in Group 3, widely considered the tournament's group of death. Korea Republic, still stinging from last year's final defeat, finds themselves in a brutal pool alongside Chinese Taipei, Sweden, and the United States. Each of these nations possesses the quality to advance, ensuring that Group 3 matches will feature intense, high-stakes table tennis from the opening day.

Sweden, the traditional European powerhouse, brings a proud heritage and experienced squad capable of upsetting any opponent on their day. Chinese Taipei has emerged as a consistent force in Asian competition, while the United States continues to develop a program with genuine ambitions on the world stage. The permutations in this group could come down to point differentials in the final fixtures.

For players and coaches alike, Chengdu represents more than immediate glory. With approximately three years until the Los Angeles Olympics, nations are using this tournament to identify their strongest combinations, test tactical approaches, and build the chemistry required for Olympic success. The mixed doubles pairing decisions, in particular, will be scrutinized as teams experiment with different combinations.

As the action unfolds at Sichuan Gymnasium over the coming week, table tennis fans worldwide will witness not just a World Cup, but a preview of Olympic battles to come. The Guoliang-Sorling Trophy awaits its next champion, but the lessons learned in Chengdu may prove equally valuable when the Olympic flame is lit in Los Angeles in 2028.

The stage is set, the paddles are ready, and 16 nations are prepared to leave everything on the table in pursuit of Mixed Team glory.