France Stuns Indonesia in Thomas Cup Upset as Adam and Rossi Seal Victory

Horsens, Denmark – In a stunning upset at the Thomas Cup, France defeated defending champions Indonesia, securing a place in the quarterfinals. The victory, completed on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, at the Forum Horsens, marks a significant milestone for French badminton and highlights the rising talent within the national team. The French team’s success hinged on a decisive performance from the doubles pairing of Eloi Adam and Léo Rossi, who clinched the winning point against a formidable Indonesian opponent.

A Dramatic Turnaround for the French Team

Indonesia, boasting a record 14 Thomas Cup titles, entered the match as heavy favorites. But, the French team displayed remarkable resilience and tactical prowess throughout the tie. The match was tightly contested, with several games going down to the wire. The final score saw France emerge victorious, ending Indonesia’s run in the tournament and sending shockwaves through the badminton world. This win represents a major breakthrough for France, a nation traditionally not considered a powerhouse in men’s team badminton.

Adam and Rossi Deliver the Decisive Blow

The pivotal moment of the match came in the doubles encounter featuring Eloi Adam and Léo Rossi against Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani. Despite being ranked lower at world No. 52, the French duo held their nerve, securing a hard-fought 21-19, 21-19 victory. This win proved to be the turning point, giving France an insurmountable lead. The pressure on the Indonesian pair was evident as Adam and Rossi consistently challenged their shots and exploited any weaknesses.

Léo Rossi, born December 25, 1999, has been steadily rising in the ranks of international badminton. Currently ranked 52nd in men’s doubles alongside Eloi Adam as of April 14, 2026, Rossi previously achieved a career-high ranking of 33rd in men’s doubles on September 22, 2025. He also has a background in singles competition, reaching a peak ranking of 135th in February 2019. Rossi was also part of the French junior team that won the mixed team gold at the 2017 European Junior Championships.

Indonesia’s Lone Point Earned by Alfian and Fikri

Despite the overall defeat, Indonesia wasn’t without its moments. Fajar Alfian and Shobihul Fikri managed to secure the only point for their team, defeating Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov in a thrilling three-game match, 21-18, 19-21, 21-11. This victory provided a glimmer of hope for Indonesia, but ultimately wasn’t enough to prevent the upset. The Indonesian duo demonstrated their experience and skill, but the consistent performance of the French team proved too strong to overcome.

What This Means for the Tournament

France’s victory significantly alters the landscape of the Thomas Cup. The unexpected elimination of Indonesia, a perennial contender, opens up opportunities for other teams to advance further in the tournament. France’s performance signals a potential shift in the balance of power within men’s team badminton. Their quarterfinal match will be closely watched as they face a new set of challenges against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.

Rossi’s Recent Achievements

Léo Rossi’s career has been marked by consistent improvement and a series of notable achievements. He secured his first international title at the 2017 Lithuanian International tournament in men’s doubles, partnering with Elias Bracke of Belgium. He also claimed victory at the 2018 Irish International tournament in men’s singles, defeating players ranked within the top 80. Rossi’s brother, Rémi Rossi, also competes in badminton, representing Tahiti in international competitions.

Rossi also earned a silver medal in men’s doubles at the 2025 European Championships in Horsens, Denmark, partnering with Eloi Adam. They faced Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov in the final, losing in a close three-game match, 12-21, 21-18, 18-21. The French team also secured a mixed team gold medal at the 2025 European Mixed Team Championships in Baku and has consistently represented France at the European Men’s Team Championships, including appearances in 2026 Istanbul, 2024 Łódź, and 2018 Kazan.

Looking Ahead

France will now focus on preparing for their quarterfinal match, aiming to continue their remarkable run in the Thomas Cup. The team’s confidence will be high after this significant victory, and they will look to build on their momentum. The next challenge will be to maintain their level of performance and adapt to the strategies of their upcoming opponents. Fans can follow updates on the Thomas Cup website and through official badminton federation channels for further details on the tournament schedule, and results.

The French team’s success story is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and the growing strength of badminton in France. This victory is not just a win for the players but also for the entire nation, inspiring a new generation of badminton enthusiasts.