Who will India face in the semi-finals of Thomas Cup 2026?
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India were crowned champions of Thomas Cup in 2022.
Having already confirmed a place on the podium, the Indian men’s badminton team will now shoot for a place in the final of Thomas Cup 2026. India stormed into the semis of Thomas Cup 2026 with a dominant 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei on Friday.
Lakshya Sen, Satwik-Chirag and Ayush Shetty won their respective matches to help India move into the semis for only the second time in Thomas Cup history.
After finishing second in Group A behind defending champions China in the group phase, India faced Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals.
Related: India vs Chinese Taipei Highlights, Thomas Cup 2026 Quarter-finals
Lakshya Sen gave India a perfect start with a spirited three-game win over Chou Tien Chen, coming from a game down to win 18-21, 22-20, 21-17.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty then defeated Chiu Hsiang Chieh/Wang Chi-Lin 23-21, 19-21, 21-12 to put India in cruise control of the tie.
Ayush Shetty, who has been India’s best performer in the tournament so far, then faced World No. 8 Lin Chun-yi, defeating the Taipei shuttler in straight games to secure a historic win over India. Shetty won 21-16, 21-17 to continue his unbeaten run of form at the Thomas Cup.
The big question now is: Who will India face in the semi-finals? The answer will decide the next challenge for the team. It could be a tough clash, as both possible opponents are strong sides in international badminton.
India await France or Japan in Thomas Cup 2026 semi-final clash
India will face either France or Japan in the semi-finals. The final opponent will be confirmed after their quarter-final match. Both teams have quality players and strong records in team events.
Japan have always been a powerful side in badminton. They have depth in both singles and doubles. Their players are known for speed and consistency. If India face Japan, it will be a high-pressure match with very little margin for error.
France, on the other hand, are rising quickly in world badminton. They have surprised many teams in recent tournaments. Their players are fearless and play attacking badminton.
Facing France could be tricky for the Indian men’s badminton team, since the French men are known to play freely.
The good news is that Indian men’s badminton team have already secured at least a bronze medal. But the team will not stop here. They will aim for another final and possibly another title!
Who will India face in the semi finals of Thomas Cup 2026?
India will face the winner of the fourth quarter-final match between France and Japan in the semis.
Has India won the Thomas Cup before?
Yes, India won the title in 2022.
How did India reach the semis of Thomas Cup 2026?
India defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the quarters to enter the semis after earlier finishing second in Group A to reach the knockouts.
Ishika Aggarwal is a passionate sports writer and lifelong cricket fan who thrives on capturing the moments that make the game unforgettable, from last-over thrillers to record-breaking centuries. Through match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes stories, she brings fans closer to the heartbeat of cricket.