2026 Uber Cup: China vs. Japan Semifinal Schedule
The 2026 Uber Cup reaches its penultimate stage at Forum Horsens as the two most dominant forces in women’s team badminton, China and Japan, face off in a high-stakes semifinal. With a place in the grand final on the line, Court 1 will host a series of matchups featuring World Champions, Olympic medalists, and the brightest rising stars of the sport.
China enters the tie as the top seed, boasting incredible depth across both singles and doubles. However, Japan’s tactical flexibility and legendary grit make them a perennial threat in team formats. This tie is widely regarded as a “final before the final,” and every point will be fiercely contested.
The first match is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM local time, providing a perfect evening of entertainment for fans across Asia.
Match Schedule: China vs. Japan
- Date: May 2, 2026
- Venue: Forum Horsens, Court 1
- Stage: Semifinals (SF)
| Match | Category | China (CHN) | vs. | Japan (JPN) | Local Time (UTC+2) | China Time (UTC+8) | Japan Time (UTC+9) |
| 1 | WS 1 | Wang Zhiyi | vs. | Akane Yamaguchi | 10:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 05:00 PM |
| 2 | WD 1 | Liu Shengshu / Tan Ning | vs. | Y. Fukushima / M. Matsumoto | 10:50 AM* | 04:50 PM* | 05:50 PM* |
| 3 | WS 2 | Chen Yufei | vs. | Tomoka Miyazaki | 11:40 AM* | 05:40 PM* | 06:40 PM* |
| 4 | WD 2 | Jia Yifan / Zhang Shuxian | vs. | A. Igarashi / K. Nakanishi | 12:30 PM* | 06:30 PM* | 07:30 PM* |
| 5 | WS 3 | Han Yue | vs. | Riko Gunji | 01:20 PM* | 07:20 PM* | 08:20 PM* |
*Estimated start times; matches follow a “Followed By” schedule.
Where to Watch: Broadcast & Streaming
In China:
- Television: CCTV-5 (China Central Television) will provide live coverage of the semifinals.
- Digital/Streaming: Migu Video, BesTV, and Youku will offer high-definition live streams and on-demand replays.
In Japan:
- Important Notice: According to recent BWF releases, there is no official television broadcast for the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup within Japan.
- Digital Alternative: Fans in Japan can follow the action via the BWF TV YouTube Channel (subject to local digital availability).
Key Matchups to Watch
- The Opening Statement (WS1): Wang Zhiyi has been China’s rock this tournament, but facing Akane Yamaguchi is the ultimate test. Yamaguchi’s relentless retrieving and endurance will challenge Wang’s precision in what could be a marathon opening match.
- The Clash of Eras (WS2): Olympic champion Chen Yufei takes on Japan’s teenage sensation Tomoka Miyazaki. Miyazaki represents the future of the sport, but Chen’s vast experience in major team finals gives China a significant psychological edge in the second singles.
- The Doubles Duel (WD1): China’s “Power Pair” Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning face the legendary Japanese veterans Fukushima and Matsumoto. This match will be a classic battle of youth and aggression against defensive mastery and court craft.
Semifinal Format: As a knockout tie, the first nation to secure three match wins (Best-of-Five) will advance to the Uber Cup Final. Every rubber is critical, as momentum can shift rapidly in these high-pressure team environments.
