2026 Thomas Cup – China vs. Denmark Semifinal Schedule
The 2026 Thomas Cup reaches a fever pitch as the powerhouse China squad prepares to face the host nation, Denmark, in a massive semifinal clash at the Forum Horsens. With the home crowd behind them, the Danes are looking to topple the defending giants and secure their place in the grand final on home soil.
China has been clinical throughout the tournament, led by the experienced Shi Yuqi. However, Denmark’s lineup, featuring world-class talents like Anders Antonsen and the formidable doubles pair of Astrup and Rasmussen, presents the toughest challenge yet. This “East vs. West” battle on Court 1 is expected to be a masterclass in high-intensity badminton.
The first serve is scheduled for 6:00 PM local time, which means a late-night start for fans tuning in from China.
Match Schedule: China vs. Denmark
- Date: May 2, 2026
- Venue: Forum Horsens, Court 1
- Stage: Semifinals (SF)
| Match | Category | China (CHN) | vs. | Denmark (DEN) | Local Time (UTC+2) | China Time (UTC+8) |
| 1 | MS 1 | Shi Yuqi | vs. | Anders Antonsen | 06:00 PM | 12:00 AM (May 3) |
| 2 | MD 1 | Liang Weikeng / Wang Chang | vs. | K. Astrup / A. S. Rasmussen | 06:50 PM* | 12:50 AM (May 3)* |
| 3 | MS 2 | Li Shifeng | vs. | Magnus Johannesen | 07:40 PM* | 01:40 AM (May 3)* |
| 4 | MD 2 | Chen Boyang / Liu Yi | vs. | M. Christiansen / D. Lundgaard | 08:30 PM* | 02:30 AM (May 3)* |
| 5 | MS 3 | Weng Hongyang | vs. | Ditlev Jaeger Holm | 09:20 PM* | 03:20 AM (May 3)* |
*Estimated start times; matches follow a “Followed By” schedule depending on previous match durations.
Where to Watch: Broadcast & Streaming
In Denmark:
- Television: TV2 Sport will provide full live coverage of the host nation’s semifinal.
- Digital/Streaming: Fans can stream every match live on TV2 Play.
In China:
- Television: CCTV-5 (China Central Television) will broadcast the tie live.
- Digital/Streaming: Migu Video, Youku, BesTV, and Huya Sports will offer live HD streams.
Global Access:
- BWF TV: Live streaming is available on the BWF YouTube channel (subject to territorial restrictions).
- Olympic Channel: Accessible via Olympics.com and the official Olympics app.
Key Matchups to Watch
- The Tactical Opener (MS1): Shi Yuqi vs. Anders Antonsen. This is a battle of two of the smartest tactical minds in the game. Antonsen will have the support of the Horsens crowd, while Shi will look to silence the arena with his clinical precision and aggressive net play.
- The Doubles War (MD1): World No. 1s Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang face the experienced and animated duo of Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen. The Danish pair is known for their psychological game and clever service variations, which will test the patience of the young Chinese stars.
- The Momentum Shifter (MS2): Li Shifeng brings his athletic, high-coverage style against Magnus Johannesen. If Denmark can keep the score close after the first two matches, Johannesen will have a massive opportunity to swing the tie in favor of the hosts.
Semifinal Protocol: As a knockout tie, the first team to reach three points wins. While all matches are scheduled, the session may end early if a team secures a 3-0 or 3-1 victory.
