The return of Carolina Marín
The entries list for the 2026 European Championships, set to take place from 6–12 April in Huelva, Spain, has been revealed, and it includes one very special name.
Spain’s Carolina Marín has been granted a wild card entry, opening the door for the seven-time European champion to make her long-awaited return to international competition on home soil.
Marín has not played a tournament since suffering a devastating knee injury during the semifinal of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Since then, the Olympic gold medallist has shared updates with fans throughout her rehabilitation, documenting her recovery and gradual return to training.
Now, with a wild card securing her place in the draw, the Huelva native is one step closer to making her comeback at the biggest European event of the year, in front of a home crowd that has supported her throughout her career.
While Marín’s potential return will undoubtedly draw much of the attention, the entries list also confirms a strong field of players set to compete for the European titles across all five categories.
Men’s singles
The men’s singles draw is stacked with many of Europe’s top names. Players such as Anders Antonsen, Christo Popov, Alex Lanier, Toma Junior Popov, Nhat Nguyen, and Rasmus Gemke are all entered as they look to claim the European crown.
One notable absence, however, is Viktor Axelsen, who has been dealing with a back injury and is not currently entered for the championships.
Wild card:
Alvaro Leal (Spain)
Women’s singles
All eyes will naturally be on Marín should she take to the court in Huelva, but she will face strong competition in a field featuring many of Europe’s leading players.
Wild card:
Carolina Marín (Spain)
Men’s doubles
The men’s doubles competition also promises excitement. Denmark’s Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen will be looking to reclaim the European title, but they will face strong opposition.
Among the contenders are defending champions Christo Popov/Toma Junior Popov, as well as last year’s silver medallists Eloi Adam/Léo Rossi.
Adding further intrigue is the wild card entry of Denmark’s Rasmus Kjær/Christian Faust Kjær, a newly formed partnership that will be playing their biggest tournament together so far.
Wild card:
Rasmus Kjær/Christian Faust Kjær (Denmark)
Women’s doubles
One of the most interesting entries in women’s doubles is the new partnership between Isabel Lohau and Deborah Jille, who have been awarded a wild card. Both players are former European Championships medallists, and their combination adds an intriguing element to the draw.
They will join a strong field that includes defending champions Gabriela Stoeva/Stefani Stoeva, Margot Lambert/Camille Pognante, and Polina Buhrova/Yevheniia Kantemyr.
Wild card:
Isabel Lohau/Deborah Jille (Germany/Netherlands)
Mixed doubles
Mixed doubles once again features one of the deepest fields in European badminton. Former champions Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue return, while reigning champions Jesper Toft/Amalie Magelund will aim to defend their title.
Other strong contenders include Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Bøje and Callum Hemming/Estelle van Leeuwen as they all battle for the right to be crowned European champions.
