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The YONEX All England Open 2026 Badminton Championships is the most prestigious tournament in the sport, with a legacy that spans over a century. This renowned event will be held at the historic Utilita Arena in Birmingham from March 3 to March 8, 2026. Often referred to as the “Wimbledon of Badminton,” the tournament features a substantial prize pool of $1,450,000 and offers the maximum ranking points available outside of the World Championships and the Olympics. For the world’s elite players, winning in Birmingham is not just about claiming a trophy; it’s an opportunity to join the ranks of badminton legends like Rudy Hartono and Prakash Padukone.
As the second major event in the 2026 BWF World Tour season, the All England Championships serve as a crucial indicator of the top seed’s form. The atmosphere in Birmingham is famously electric, with a knowledgeable crowd that appreciates the game’s tactical nuances just as much as the explosive smashes. Defending champions Shi Yuqi and An Se-young will enter the arena as targets for a field of eager challengers who have spent the winter months honing their skills for the unique slow-shuttle conditions. Whether you are watching from the bustling streets of Mumbai or enjoying a quiet morning in New York, this guide ensures you won’t miss a single moment of the action.
Event Schedule & Match Fixtures
As of February 24, 2026, the official draw has been conducted. However, the specific “Order of Play”—which details the exact timing for individual matches—will be released daily. Below is the provisional schedule for the tournament week.
| Date | Round | Start Time (GMT) | Court Details |
| Tue, March 3 | Round of 32 (Day 1) | 10:00 AM | TBD (Matches involving the top half of the draw) |
| Wed, March 4 | Round of 32 (Day 2) | 10:00 AM | TBD (Matches involving the bottom half of the draw) |
| Thu, March 5 | Round of 16 | 10:00 AM | TBD (All categories) |
| Fri, March 6 | Quarter-Finals | 10:00 AM / 5:00 PM | Two Sessions (Top 8 of each category) |
| Sat, March 7 | Semi-Finals | 10:00 AM / 5:00 PM | Two Sessions (Final 4 of each category) |
| Sun, March 8 | Championship Finals | 11:00 AM | One Show Court (All 5 Finals) |
Global Broadcaster Breakdown: All England Open 2026
In India, the broadcasting rights are held by JioStar (the newly merged entity of Reliance and Disney Star). You can catch the live action on the JioStar app/website or tune in to the Sports18 television channels. For Indian fans specifically, the early rounds are often spread across multiple courts, and the digital platform is the best way to ensure you don’t miss a specific match featuring players like Lakshya Sen or the pair of Satwik/Chirag, as TV coverage usually prioritizes Court 1.
In the United Kingdom, the “home” territory for this tournament, the BBC provides extensive coverage. You can easily watch UK TV abroad using reliable VPNs as well. While early rounds are often available via the BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website, the business end of the tournament—specifically the semi-finals and finals—is typically broadcast live on BBC iPlayer. This offers local fans a premium, high-definition experience with expert British commentary that dives deep into the history of the Birmingham venue.
In the USA and across much of Europe, the coverage is more fragmented. Fans can usually stream the tournament via Court Sports Network or the BWF TV YouTube channel, provided there are no regional “dark market” restrictions. In Europe, countries like Denmark (where badminton is a major sport) enjoy dedicated coverage through TV2, while other regions often rely on Eurosport or the official BWF digital streams. If you find the YouTube stream is blocked in your European city, it is likely because a local cable provider has picked up the exclusive rights.
Top Players to Watch in All England Open 2026
The Men’s Singles field is led by defending champion Shi Yuqi, whose tactical movement and exceptional ability to control the pace of the shuttle make him the favorite to repeat his success in 2025. He faces a significant challenge from the towering Viktor Axelsen, a veteran whose reach and power pose the ultimate test for anyone aspiring to reach the finals in Birmingham.
Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn has established himself as a master of the “long game,” frequently winning matches by outlasting his opponents in intense 80-minute physical marathons. The dark horse of the tournament is Jonatan Christie, the 2024 champion, who enters 2026 in peak physical condition and leads a formidable Indonesian contingent eager for a podium finish. Another former champion, Li Shifeng, is a “silent assassin” in the draw; when his clinical smash is working, he has the capability to dismantle any seed in the bracket.
For Indian fans, the spotlight is on Lakshya Sen, a former finalist who consistently thrives in the unique Birmingham atmosphere. His explosive speed and creative net play are especially suited for the All England’s playing conditions, making him a major threat in the singles category. In the doubles circuit, the powerhouse pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are in pursuit of the one major title currently missing from their trophy cabinet, with their “smash-heavy” and aggressive style making them a crowd favorite.
Key Names in Women’s Division
The Women’s Singles division is currently dominated by An Se-young, the reigning queen, whose consistently strong defensive play often breaks the spirit of her opponents before the match is even half over. She will be challenged by the veteran Tai Tzu-ying, known as the “Queen of Deception,” who is rumored to be making one of her final appearances on this court, and Akane Yamaguchi, who is seeking redemption after an injury-plagued season and still boasts the best footwork in the women’s game.
VPN Guider: Best VPNs to Watch All England Open 2026 Live
If you are in a region where the BWF YouTube channel is “blacked out” due to local broadcasting rights, a VPN is the most effective way to ensure uninterrupted access. By using a VPN, you can change your virtual location to a country where the stream is free, such as the Netherlands or Singapore. Speed is the most critical factor for sports streaming to avoid buffering during a crucial 30-shot rally, and a high-tier VPN ensures that your connection remains stable even when thousands are tuning in. Once your VPN is active, simply connect to a server in Amsterdam, and the BWF TV YouTube channel should instantly unblock all four courts for your viewing.
NordVPN
NordVPN is widely considered the best overall choice for sports enthusiasts because of its consistent performance and specialized features. It utilizes the proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is built on the lightning-fast WireGuard architecture, ensuring minimal speed loss—often as low as 3%. This is critical for watching fast-paced soccer in 4K resolution without the frustration of buffering. With a massive network of over 6,400 servers, including extensive coverage in Brazil and France, it reliably bypasses blocks on services like Globoplay and TF1+. Additionally, its “Threat Protection” feature acts as a built-in ad and malware blocker, keeping your streaming experience clean and secure from intrusive pop-ups.
Surfshark
For those managing multiple viewers, Surfshark is the undisputed champion of value, primarily because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means a single subscription can protect every phone, tablet, and TV in your household at the same time. Despite its lower price point, it doesn’t compromise on speed, utilizing the WireGuard protocol to handle high-definition sports streams with ease. It also includes “CleanWeb” to block ads and trackers and a “Bypasser” (split-tunneling) feature that allows you to run your streaming app through the VPN while keeping your banking or local apps on your standard connection. It is the perfect choice for families or fans who want a high-performance VPN without a high monthly cost.
ExpressVPN
Finally, ExpressVPN remains the premium gold standard for reliability and ease of use. Its standout feature is the in-house Lightway protocol, which is engineered to be faster and more stable than traditional VPN protocols, allowing for near-instant connections. It is particularly adept at unblocking a vast range of international streaming services that other VPNs might struggle with. For fans using devices that don’t natively support VPN apps—like certain smart TVs or gaming consoles—ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature is a lifesaver. While it is priced slightly higher than its competitors, the “set it and forget it” reliability makes it a favorite for those who want a seamless viewing experience without manual troubleshooting.
Description
Key Features:
- Robust security features
- High speeds
- Reliable streaming options
Pros:
- Excellent for streaming/geo-unblocking
- Easy to use on many devices
Cons:
- Most features cost extra
- No port forwarding feature.
- History of data breach issue
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the All England Open 2026 a Super 300 or a Super 1000 event?
This is a Super 1000 event. It is one of the top four tournaments on the BWF calendar, offering the highest prize money and ranking points.
What time do the matches start in India?
Birmingham is 5.5 hours behind India. A 10:00 AM start in the UK is 3:30 PM IST.
Why is the YouTube stream blocked in my country?
This occurs because a local broadcaster (like JioStar in India) has bought the exclusive rights. You can use a VPN to connect to a country like the Netherlands to bypass this.
Can I watch more than one court?
Yes, the BWF TV YouTube channel (unblocked via VPN) provides separate live streams for Courts 1, 2, 3, and 4.
When are the finals of the All England Open 2026?
The five Championship Finals take place back-to-back on Sunday, March 8, starting at 11:00 AM GMT.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 All England Open is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for badminton. While established legends such as Viktor Axelsen and Tai Tzu-ying continue to compete at an elite level, the emergence of younger stars has transformed every round of a Super 1000 event into a high-stakes battle where no seed is safe. For the Indian contingent, the pressure to break a 25-year title drought is palpable. With a wealth of talent available, particularly in the form of Satwik/Chirag and Lakshya Sen, 2026 could finally be the year when the Indian national anthem resonates in the Utilita Arena once again.
Make sure your streaming setup is verified at least 24 hours before the first serve on March 3rd. There is nothing worse than missing the opening rallies of a potential upset due to a last-minute connection issue. Birmingham always offers a unique mix of heritage and high-intensity drama, and this year’s edition is poised to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
