April 29, 2026 | 10:20 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s men’s badminton team suffered a historic early exit from the 2026 Thomas Cup after a 1–4 defeat to France in the decisive Group D tie at Forum Horsens on Wednesday, April 29.
The loss marks an unprecedented setback for Indonesia, one of badminton’s traditional powerhouses with 14 Thomas Cup titles. Since its debut in 1958 through to the 2024 edition, Indonesia had always progressed beyond the group stage, with its previous worst result being a quarterfinal finish in 2012. This year, however, Indonesia failed to reach the knockout rounds for the first time.
Indonesia had opened its campaign strongly, sweeping Algeria 5–0 and edging Thailand 3–2. But the defeat to France in the final group match proved decisive.
In a tightly contested Group D, Indonesia finished third, level on points with Thailand and France but trailing on match difference. Thailand topped the group, while France advanced as runner-up.
The standings were shaped by earlier results, including Thailand’s 4–1 victory over France and 5–0 win against Algeria, leaving match margins to determine the final rankings among the top three teams.
Against France, Indonesia lost the first four matches to concede the tie early. Jonatan Christie fell to Christo Popov 19–21, 14–21 in the opening singles, followed by Alwi Farhan’s 16–21, 19–21 defeat to Alex Lanier.
Anthony Sinisuka Ginting briefly kept Indonesia’s hopes alive but ultimately lost a tight third match to Toma Junior Popov 22–20, 15–21, 20–22. The tie was sealed in the fourth match when Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Mohammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani were beaten 19–21, 19–21 by Eloi Adam and Leo Rossi.
Indonesia’s only point came in the final match, with Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri defeating Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov 21–18, 19–21, 21–11, though the victory did not alter the overall result.
2026 Thomas Cup Result Recap
MS1: Jonatan Christie vs Christo Popov 19–21, 14–21
MS2: Alwi Farhan vs Alex Lanier 16–21, 19–21
MS3: Anthony Sinisuka Ginting vs Toma Junior Popov 22–20, 15–21, 20–22
MD1: Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Mohammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani vs Eloi Adam/Leo Rossi 19–21, 19–21
MD2: Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri vs Christo Popov/Toma Junior Popov 21–18, 19–21, 21–11
Indonesia's Early Exit at 2026 Thomas Cup: What Went Wrong
8 menit lalu
Indonesia's men's badminton team lost 1-4 to France in the 2026 Thomas Cup group stage, sealing an early exit and its worst result since 1958.
Indonesia Beats Thailand 3-2 in Dramatic Thomas Cup Clash
2 hari lalu
The determination of Indonesia's victory over Thailand in the Thomas Cup 2026 came from the third singles player, Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah.
Thomas Cup: Indonesia Trails Thailand 1-2 After Alwi Farhan Fail
2 hari lalu
Alwi Farhan has not been able to contribute points for the Indonesian team in the second match of Group D of Thomas Cup 2026.
Indonesia Set for Tough Clash Against Thailand in 2026 Thomas Cup
2 hari lalu
Indonesia is facing a tough test in the Group D qualifiers of the Thomas Cup 2026 as they meet Thailand at the Forum Horsens, Denmark, on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Jonatan Christie Leads Indonesia 1-0 vs Algeria in Thomas Cup
3 hari lalu
Jonatan Christie, widely known as Jojo, delivered a convincing straight-games victory, defeating Algeria's top singles player Adel Hamek 21-8, 21-6.
Indonesia Sweep Algeria 5-0 in Thomas Cup 2026 Group D Opener
4 hari lalu
The victory was capped by the Indonesian men's doubles pair of Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin, who sealed the clean sweep in the final match.
Indonesia to Face Algeria in Thomas Cup 2026 Opener Tonight
5 hari lalu
Indonesia's captain Fajar Alfian said the squad is in peak condition after completing preparations, including two sessions testing the match venue.
Schedule of Indonesia Team for 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup
8 hari lalu
The Indonesian badminton team prepares for the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup in Horsens, Denmark. Check the group stage schedule from April 24 to May 3.
Indonesia Sends Off Badminton Team for 2026 Thomas & Uber Cup
13 hari lalu
The Indonesian badminton team is scheduled to leave for Denmark on April 16 to attend a training camp and prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Indonesian Badminton Legend Iie Sumirat Passes Away at 73
23 Juli 2025
Iie Sumirat was a key figure in Indonesia's badminton success during the 1970s.
