Three badminton players from Fos-sur-Mer have been selected to represent France at the 2026 Thomas Cup, the world men’s team badminton championships taking place in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.
The French squad includes brothers Christo and Toma Junior Popov, along with their teammate William Villeger, all members of the BC Fos club based in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of southern France.
This selection comes after France’s recent success at the European Team Championships in February 2026, where they captured the continental title. The Thomas Cup campaign marks France’s best-ever opportunity for a medal in the competition, having never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in previous appearances (2014 and 2018).
Christophe Popov, currently ranked world No. 5 in men’s singles, will lead France’s singles challenge. His brother Toma Junior Popov, ranked No. 16 globally, provides additional depth in the singles court. William Villeger specializes in doubles events and will partner with Christo Popov in the men’s doubles discipline.
The French men’s team enters the tournament as European champions, giving them heightened confidence ahead of their opening match against Thailand on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 12:00 local time in Horsens (10:00 UTC). Thailand features world No. 2 singles player Kunlavut Vitidsarn, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Christo Popov.
France’s squad benefits from exceptional world rankings depth, boasting players ranked No. 4 (in doubles), No. 10 (Alex Lanier in singles), and No. 17 globally. This concentration of top-tier talent represents the strongest French men’s badminton team in history.
The only notable absence from the European Championship-winning squad is Thom Gicquel, a high-level doubles player who partnered with Toma Junior Popov to secure the decisive point in the European final.
France’s Thomas Cup group stage schedule includes matches against Thailand (April 24), followed by encounters with other qualifying nations as they seek to advance to the knockout rounds. The tournament follows a format where each tie consists of five matches: three singles and two doubles.
For continuing coverage of France’s Thomas Cup campaign and updates on the Fos-sur-Mer players’ performances, follow official badminton channels and sports news outlets.
