Thomas Cup 2026 Malaysia — Squad, Group, MYT Schedule, Odds & WBET Sportsbook Guide
Quick Answer: The 2026 BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals run from 24 April to 3 May 2026 at the Forum Horsens in Denmark. Malaysia is drawn in Group B with Japan, England, and Finland, chasing their first Thomas Cup title in 34 years (last won 1992). The squad is led by Lee Zii Jia (Olympic bronze medallist, deployed in his first-ever third singles role), national #1 Leong Jun Hao, and world #2 doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik. Group stage runs 24-29 April, knockouts begin 1 May, Final on 3 May. Match times in Malaysia (MYT) are early evening to night (CEST + 6 hours = MYT). Bet via WBET sportsbook at WishClub8. Players must be 18+.
What You Need to Know — TL;DR
- Tournament dates: 24 April – 3 May 2026 (Thomas Cup men's + Uber Cup women's run simultaneously)
- Venue: Forum Horsens, Horsens, Denmark
- Format: 16 teams in 4 groups of 4. Top 2 from each group advance to QF. Best-of-5 individual matches per tie (3 singles + 2 doubles, alternating)
- Malaysia in Group B: with Japan, England, Finland
- Malaysia's last Thomas Cup title: 1992 — 34 years ago
- Defending champion: China (won 2024 edition by beating Indonesia in the final)
- Most successful team in history: Indonesia (14 titles)
- Time zone: Denmark CEST = UTC+2; Malaysia MYT = UTC+8. Add 6 hours to Denmark time for MYT
- Broadcast in Malaysia: Astro Badminton
- Bet at WishClub8: WBET sportsbook with match-winner, set handicap, total points markets — see WBET sportsbook
Malaysia Squad — Thomas Cup 2026
Coach Kenneth Jonassen (Danish, recently appointed) leads a 10-player squad with a mix of established veterans and emerging players.
Men's Singles
| Player | Role | World Ranking (April 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leong Jun Hao | National #1, lead singles | World #25 | National's most consistent singles option this season |
| Justin Hoh | Second singles | World #44 | Young talent, upside despite recent inconsistency |
| Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin | Singles depth | World #51 | Reliable third option |
| Lee Zii Jia | Third singles (new role!) | World #83 (was world #2 protected) | Olympic bronze medallist (Paris 2024), former All England champion. Returning from ankle and back injuries. First time playing third singles in his Thomas Cup career. |
Men's Doubles
- Aaron Chia – Soh Wooi Yik (World #2): Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallists; Malaysia's most reliable points-getter
- Man Wei Chong – Tee Kai Wun: Rising pair, capable of upsets against top opposition
- Goh Sze Fei – Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani: Professional duo (independent, not BAM-contracted), provides depth
Coach: Kenneth Jonassen (Denmark)
Danish badminton coach Kenneth Jonassen — who took the Malaysia head coach role in 2025 — leads the team's first major competition under his command. His leadership is widely seen as a long-term project to rebuild Malaysia's team-event credentials and end the 34-year Thomas Cup drought.
The Lee Zii Jia Storyline — Why It Matters
This is the single most-discussed angle in Malaysian badminton in April 2026. Lee Zii Jia, once world #2 and 2021 All England champion, has had a brutal 18 months: ankle injury at the December 2024 World Tour Finals, ongoing back issues, and an expired protected ranking that forced him into qualifying rounds for low-tier events.
His current world #83 ranking is misleading — he's not a #83-level player, he's a top-10-talent recovering from injury. For Thomas Cup 2026:
- He's been deployed as third singles — the deciding-rubber position when ties go to 2-2. Pressure cooker role.
- Day 1 (Apr 25 vs England): Malaysia trailed 1-2, Lee Zii Jia clinched the tie 3-2 by sweeping Nadeem Dalvi 21-13, 21-11. Hero status confirmed.
- What it means for the rest of the tournament: If Malaysia reaches knockouts, Lee Zii Jia in the third-singles slot becomes one of the most consequential pressure roles in world badminton.
If you're betting Malaysia's progress, Lee Zii Jia's form on any given match day is the biggest variable.
Group B Schedule — Malaysia's Group Stage
Malaysia plays three group matches before the knockout stage. All times below in Malaysia Time (MYT). Denmark CEST → MYT is +6 hours.
| Date | Match | Result / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, 25 April 2026 | Malaysia 3-2 England | ✅ Won (Lee Zii Jia clinched in deciding singles) |
| Sun, 26 April 2026 | Malaysia vs Finland | Group B continuation |
| Tue, 28 April 2026 | Malaysia vs Japan | Group B decider — likely top-of-group fight |
Realistic projection: Malaysia and Japan are heavy favourites in Group B. Both should advance, with the Japan match deciding group winner. England and Finland are realistic Round-of-16-class opponents.
The 16 Qualified Teams — All 4 Groups
The original draw was conducted on 18 March 2026 in Chengdu, China. Allocation based on the BWF World Team Rankings of 20 February 2026.
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳 China (defending champion) 🇮🇳 India (2022 champion) 🇨🇦 Canada 🇦🇺 Australia |
🇲🇾 Malaysia 🇯🇵 Japan 🏴 England 🇫🇮 Finland |
🇰🇷 South Korea 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇹🇼 Chinese Taipei 🇪🇸 Spain |
🇮🇩 Indonesia (14× champion) 🇫🇷 France 🇹🇭 Thailand 🇩🇿 Algeria |
Tournament storylines:
- China: defending champions, full strength, expected to comfortably top Group A
- Indonesia: 14-time champions, the most decorated nation; placed in soft Group D, should win comfortably
- India: 2022 champion (beat Indonesia 3-0 in Bangkok final). In Group A with China — a tough draw
- Japan: in Malaysia's group; their men's singles depth (with Kodai Naraoka, Kenta Nishimoto's replacement Yudai Okimoto) is strong
Knockout Bracket — How Malaysia's Path Could Look
The knockout draw was conducted on 29 April 2026, after the last group match. From here, ties are best-of-5 (first team to 3 wins).
- Quarterfinals: Wednesday 1 May 2026
- Semifinals: Friday 2 May 2026
- FINAL: Saturday 3 May 2026
Malaysia's likely path (if they top Group B):
- QF: vs Group A runner-up (probably India, a 2022 champion — extremely tough draw)
- SF: probably vs Group C winner (South Korea most likely) or Group D winner (Indonesia most likely)
- Final: probably vs China
If Malaysia reach the Final and beat China, it would be Malaysia's first Thomas Cup title since 1992 — 34 years.
Time Zone Conversion — Denmark to Malaysia
Denmark uses Central European Summer Time (CEST = UTC+2) in late April / early May. Malaysia is UTC+8. Add 6 hours to Denmark time to get MYT.
| Denmark CEST | Malaysia MYT | Typical Slot |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | 16:00 (4 PM) | Morning sessions |
| 13:00 | 19:00 (7 PM) | Afternoon sessions |
| 17:00 | 23:00 (11 PM) | Evening sessions |
| 19:00 | 01:00 (next day) | Late evening sessions |
Reality check for Malaysian fans: this is the most fan-friendly time zone for any major international badminton tournament. Most matches fall between 4 PM and 1 AM Malaysian time. No 3 AM wake-ups.
Where to Watch in Malaysia
Astro Badminton is the official broadcast partner in Malaysia. Live streaming is also available via:
- Olympics.com (Olympic Channel)
- BWF YouTube (subject to territorial restrictions)
- Astro Go app for Astro subscribers
Betting Markets at WBET Sportsbook
Badminton markets are smaller than football but well-covered for major BWF events. WBET typically offers:
Tie-Level Markets (Whole Best-of-5 Tie)
- Tie Winner — which team wins the tie (3-0, 3-1, 3-2 included)
- Correct Tie Score — 3-0, 3-1, or 3-2 (higher payout)
- Total Individual Matches — Over/Under 4.5 (i.e., does it go the distance?)
Individual Match Markets
- Match Winner (1X2 — but no draw in badminton)
- Set Handicap — e.g. Player A -1.5 sets means Player A must win 2-0
- Total Points — Over/Under combined points across all sets
- Correct Set Score — 2-0 or 2-1
- To Win First Set
Outright Markets
- Tournament Winner — pick the 2026 Thomas Cup champion
- To Reach the Final
- Top Goalscorer — N/A in badminton; not offered
In-Play (Live) Markets
WBET offers in-play set-by-set and point-by-point markets that update as the match unfolds. Especially valuable in best-of-3 sets where momentum can shift quickly.
Smart Betting Strategy for Thomas Cup (Honest Edition)
Team badminton has unique dynamics that are different from football. Here's what actually matters:
- The third-singles role is a coin flip. Even top players struggle in deciding 2-2 ties. Don't overweight star names — the pressure is unique.
- Doubles depth wins Thomas Cup. Malaysia has Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (world #2) and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun. That's strong. Singles depth is the historical weakness.
- China's depth is superior to anyone else. They can absorb a single match loss anywhere. Bet against them at your peril.
- Indonesia in soft Group D will reach QF easily. The interesting question is whether they meet China before the Final.
- Watch for injuries during the tournament. Lee Zii Jia's back, Pearly Tan's withdrawal (Uber Cup), and several players returning from injury all create variance.
- Tie-score correct (3-0, 3-1, 3-2) often beats outright winner. If Malaysia is favoured 2.0 odds to win the tie, the correct 3-2 might be 4.0+ odds — better expected value if you have a tactical read.
- Set the tournament budget on Day 1. 10 days, multiple ties per day — easy to overspend in excitement.
If gambling is becoming a problem, see Responsible Gaming.
How to Bet on Thomas Cup 2026 in Malaysia
- Register at WishClub8 — see How to Join
- Deposit MYR — DuitNow, Touch 'n Go, or local bank. Minimum RM 10. See How to Deposit
- Open WBET sportsbook from our sportsbook page
- Find the Badminton / BWF Thomas Cup section
- Pick your tie or individual match
- Choose your market — tie winner, correct score, set handicap, etc.
- Enter stake (MYR) — minimum varies by market
- Confirm and submit bet
- Winnings auto-credit after match settlement — withdraw via DuitNow in 5–30 minutes
► Register at WishClub8 | ► WBET Sportsbook
Uber Cup 2026 Malaysia — Quick Notes
The women's equivalent runs simultaneously in the same venue. Malaysia's Uber Cup squad:
- Women's Doubles: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (returning mainstays — but Pearly Tan withdrew due to back injury, replaced by Chong Jie Yu); Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting (young pair); Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah
- Group: Malaysia is competing in a tough draw alongside other top women's badminton nations
Uber Cup historical context: Malaysia has never won the Uber Cup. The women's team event has been dominated by China (16 titles), Japan, and Indonesia.
Bet on More 2026 Sports Events
- UEFA Champions League Final 2026 — May 30 in Budapest. See UCL Final 2026 Odds Guide
- FIFA World Cup 2026 — June 11 to July 19. See FIFA World Cup 2026 Malaysia Schedule
- Trusted Sportsbook Malaysia 2026 — full overview: read the guide
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Thomas Cup 2026?
The 2026 BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals run from 24 April to 3 May 2026 at the Forum Horsens in Horsens, Denmark. The Final is Saturday 3 May 2026.
Which group is Malaysia in for Thomas Cup 2026?
Group B, alongside Japan, England, and Finland. Malaysia and Japan are favoured to advance, with the Japan match likely deciding the group winner.
Who is in the Malaysia squad for Thomas Cup 2026?
Singles: Leong Jun Hao (W#25, national #1), Justin Hoh (W#44), Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin (W#51), Lee Zii Jia (W#83, returning from injury, deployed as third singles for the first time in his career). Doubles: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (W#2), Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani. Coach: Kenneth Jonassen.
When did Malaysia last win the Thomas Cup?
1992 — 34 years ago. Malaysia has won the Thomas Cup 5 times in history (1949, 1952, 1955, 1967, and 1992). The 2026 squad is chasing a long-overdue 6th title.
Who is the defending champion of Thomas Cup?
China — they won the 2024 edition by beating Indonesia in the final. Indonesia is the most successful nation in Thomas Cup history with 14 titles, but they haven't won since 2002.
What time are Malaysia's matches in MYT?
Denmark uses CEST (UTC+2). Malaysia is UTC+8. Add 6 hours to Denmark time for MYT. Most matches fall between 4 PM and 1 AM Malaysian time — far more fan-friendly than European football kickoff times.
Where can I watch Thomas Cup 2026 live in Malaysia?
Astro Badminton is the Malaysian broadcast partner. Live streaming is also available via Olympics.com (Olympic Channel) and BWF YouTube (subject to territorial restrictions).
What is the Thomas Cup format?
16 teams, 4 groups of 4. Round-robin group stage (each tie = 5 individual matches: 3 singles + 2 doubles, alternating). Top 2 from each group advance to single-elimination knockouts. Knockout ties are best-of-5 (first team to win 3 individual matches wins the tie).
Can I bet on Thomas Cup 2026 from Malaysia?
Yes, through licensed online sportsbooks like WBET (integrated into WishClub8). Players must be 18+. Religious and state-level restrictions apply for Malaysian Muslim citizens under Syariah law. Responsible Gaming policy.
What does it mean Lee Zii Jia is "third singles"?
In Thomas Cup ties, three singles matches are played (1st singles, 2nd singles, 3rd singles), alternating with two doubles. Third singles is the position that often plays the deciding rubber when the tie is 2-2. It's the highest-pressure role. Lee Zii Jia, formerly Malaysia's second singles, is playing this role for the first time in his Thomas Cup career.
What's the Uber Cup?
The Uber Cup is the women's equivalent of the Thomas Cup, also organised by BWF and held simultaneously. China are the defending champions and most successful nation (16 titles). Malaysia's women's team has never won the Uber Cup.
Ready to Cheer for Malaysia?
34 years of waiting. Lee Zii Jia in a new role. World #2 doubles. A new Danish coach. The 2026 Thomas Cup is Malaysia's most realistic title shot in over a decade — but the path through India, China, or Indonesia will require everything to click. Whether betting or just watching, support the team responsibly. Bet what you can afford to lose, set a tournament budget, and never chase losses.
► Register at WishClub8 | ► WBET Sportsbook | ► Browse Promotions
About this article: Researched by the WishClub8 sportsbook editorial team. Squad and group information verified from Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) announcement (April 11, 2026), Bernama, and Olympic Channel coverage. Match schedule based on BWF official tournament programme, with MYT times calculated from Denmark CEST (CEST + 6 hours = MYT). World rankings based on BWF World Ranking as of April 7, 2026. Always verify exact match times closer to play day. Last updated: April 2026 (post-Day 1).
Responsible Gaming: 18+ only. Sports betting involves financial risk. Set a budget. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. If gambling becomes a problem, contact GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) or BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org). Responsible Gaming policy.