HORSENS, Denmark: France continued their impressive run in the 2026 Thomas Cup, defeating Indonesia 4-1 in a dominant Group D tie to secure qualification for the quarterfinals alongside Thailand.
Despite conceding the final match, the French team had already sealed the tie with four strong performances across singles and doubles, underlining their growing strength in international badminton.
France vs Indonesia: Full Match Results
Match 1 – Men’s Singles
Christo Popov (France) def. Jonatan Christie (Indonesia)
21-19, 21-14
France made a strong start through Christo Popov, who controlled key rallies and maintained composure to defeat Indonesia’s top singles player in straight games.
Match 2 – Men’s Singles
Alex Lanier (France) def. Alwi Farhan (Indonesia)
21-16, 21-19
Alex Lanier doubled France’s lead with a confident display, handling pressure well in tight moments to close out the match efficiently.
Match 3 – Men’s Singles
Toma Junior Popov (France) def. Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (Indonesia)
20-22, 21-15, 22-20
The tie’s turning point came in the third match, where Toma Junior Popov battled through a thrilling three-game encounter. After dropping the first game, he responded strongly and edged the decider 22-20 to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead for France.
Match 4 – Men’s Doubles
Éloi Adam / Léo Rossi (France) def. Sabar Karyaman Gutama / Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani (Indonesia)
21-19, 21-19
France extended their dominance in the doubles, with Adam and Rossi holding firm in both games to confirm victory in the tie.
Match 5 – Men’s Doubles
Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Shohibul Fikri (Indonesia) def. Christo Popov / Toma Junior Popov (France)
21-18, 19-21, 21-11
Indonesia managed to salvage a point in the final match, as Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri overcame the Popov brothers in a three-game contest. After splitting the first two games, the Indonesian pair dominated the decider to close the match comfortably.
France and Thailand Advance from Group D
With the 4-1 win, France officially advance to the Thomas Cup 2026 quarterfinals, joining Thailand as the top two teams from Group D. Thailand’s earlier results ensured both teams progress to the knockout stage.
For Indonesia, the loss highlights inconsistency across their lineup, particularly in singles, where they were unable to convert crucial matches.
Analysis: France Emerging as a Serious Contender
This result reinforces France’s emergence as a rising force in badminton. The combination of strong singles performances from the Popov brothers and Alex Lanier, along with reliable doubles depth, makes them a dangerous opponent moving forward.
The ability to win tight matches—especially Toma Junior Popov’s comeback victory—demonstrates the team’s resilience and mental strength, key traits in high-pressure team competitions.
Conclusion
France’s 4-1 victory over Indonesia sends a clear message to the rest of the field. As the tournament heads into the knockout rounds, they are no longer outsiders but genuine contenders.
With Thailand also progressing from Group D, the stage is set for an exciting quarterfinal round in the 2026 Thomas Cup.
