China successfully defended their crown at the Thomas Cup after defeating France 3-1 in the 2026 final in Horsens, Denmark.

The defending champions showed their class in the final tie, with Shi Yuqi setting the tone early by winning a hard-fought opening singles match to give China the lead.

France, playing in their first-ever Thomas Cup final, put up a strong fight and even levelled the tie, but China’s depth proved decisive. Key performances in the remaining matches ensured the Asian powerhouse sealed a 3-1 victory to retain the prestigious title.

The triumph marks China’s 12th Thomas Cup title, further cementing their status as one of the most dominant teams in badminton history.

Despite the defeat, France can take pride in a historic campaign, achieving their best-ever result by reaching the final and pushing the defending champions all the way.

China’s latest success highlights their continued dominance on the global stage as they maintain their grip on one of badminton’s most prestigious team trophies.