[Saba Sports News] A huge upset unfolded in the final Group D match of the 2026 Thomas Cup. Indonesia, the most dominant powerhouse in badminton history and a record 14-time Thomas Cup champion, suffered a shocking 1-4 defeat to France. This marks the first time in the nation’s 68-year Thomas Cup history that Indonesia has been eliminated in the group stage.
Failing to qualify for the quarterfinals, Indonesia has registered its worst performance since first entering the tournament in 1958. It was a do-or-die clash for Indonesia: a victory would secure group-stage advancement, while a defeat meant an immediate exit. However, Indonesia was completely outplayed by France across the tie. They lost all three singles matches and dropped the second doubles, with only the first doubles pair Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Shohibul Fikri salvaging a consolation win.
After three rounds of group fixtures, Thailand, France and Indonesia all posted identical 2-1 win-loss records in Group D, creating a three-way tie. When sorted by game difference, Thailand topped the group with a 11-4 game record, France followed closely at 10-5, while Indonesia finished third with 9-6. Eventually, Indonesia crashed out of the tournament. Previously, Indonesia’s worst Thomas Cup result was a quarterfinal exit in 2012. Now, their 68-year dominance has crumbled, falling from grace overnight, leaving fans in disbelief and disappointment.
In my opinion, Indonesia’s early exit is not only one of the biggest upsets in Thomas Cup history but also signals a complete reshuffle of the men’s team landscape in global badminton. The rise of France, coupled with the collective decline of traditional Asian powerhouses, heralds the arrival of a new era in world badminton.