Zhang gains automatic qualification by virtue of his reigning world champion status, and joins 18 other players that have qualified via ITTF Continental Cups, and one wild card entrant.

Three-time World Cup winner Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus will be one of the opponents that Zhang must contend with to take the prize, and the 37-year-old is looking forward to testing himself against the world's best once again in familiar territory.

"I can't wait to play in the Men's World Cup again," Samsonov said.

"It is always special to play in Belgium, the country where I played eight years long for La Villette Charleroi, where me and my family have so many friends, the country where our kids were born.

"It will be a dream come true to add the fourth gold."

Vladimir Samsonov is looking to secure a "dream" fourth World Cup title in Verviers

Home fans are expected to flock to the Hall du Paire to see local legend Jean-Michel Saive, who will be competing in his 19th, and possibly final, ITTF World Cup tournament.

"I'm so excited to play a 19th World Cup, the fact that it will be in my country, in front of my fans, the fans that supported me over my 30 years of career," said the 43-year-old.

"I've been called 'the fighter' all my career, it will not change during this event, and who knows, in front of all my country I will maybe be able to make a miracle and win a dream title.

"I already know that it will be a huge and important success for table tennis in Belgium and that's the most important thing."

The World Cup will take place on September 25-27.

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