French Badminton Makes History at the World Championships 2026

French badminton has steadily strengthened its presence on the international stage in recent years. At the World Championships 2026, that progress reached a historic new milestone, as France celebrated its first world titles in men’s singles and mixed doubles on the same day.

Alex Lanier Makes History for France

Alex Lanier (FRA) became the first French player to win the men’s singles world title, completing a landmark day for French badminton.

The 21-year-old, seeded ninth at the tournament, delivered a commanding performance in the final on August 23 to capture his first World Championships title.

Known for a dynamic style of play that incorporates elements more commonly seen in doubles, Lanier took control from the early stages of the final. His powerful attacking game allowed him to dictate the rallies and carry that momentum through to victory.

Lanier, however, was not only playing for his own place in history. Earlier that day, France had already celebrated its first world title in mixed doubles. Watching that breakthrough gave him extra motivation as he stepped onto court for his own final.

“When the mixed doubles won, I thought I had to make history too,” Lanier said after the match.

Together, the two titles marked a new chapter for French badminton, turning years of progress on the international stage into a historic day at the World Championships.

An Se Young Claims Second World Title

History was also made across the other disciplines in New Delhi.

In women’s singles, World No. 1 An Se Young (KOR) defeated Akane Yamaguchi (JPN) to claim her second World Championships title and her first since 2023.

Three years after winning her first world title, An once again delivered on one of badminton’s biggest stages to add another World Championships title to her record.

Yamaguchi, the 2021, 2022, and 2025 world champion, entered the final seeking a record fourth women’s singles title. She finished with silver, earning her sixth World Championships medal across five consecutive editions.

First World Title for Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang

In men’s doubles, Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang (CHN) captured their first World Championships title.

The victory marked a milestone for both the pair and Chinese men’s doubles, bringing the world title back to China for the first time since 2018.

Supporting the World’s Best

Across all five disciplines, Yonex players competed in the finals, with champions crowned in men’s singles, women’s singles, and men’s doubles.

Yonex supported the World Championships 2026 by providing tournament equipment, including TOURNAMENT shuttlecocks and court mats. Throughout the event, the Yonex Stringing Team also provided professional stringing services, helping players prepare their racquets for competition.

From France’s historic breakthrough to new and returning world champions, the championships reflected a sport continuing to evolve on the global stage.