KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 -- Malaysia have been handed a favourable draw in the Thomas Cup Finals 2026, with Japan shaping up as their main rivals in the race to reach the knockout stages.

The Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals will be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.

Based on the group stage draw held at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) headquarters here today, the national men's team, pitted in Group B, will also have to contend with England and Finland.

But it's the 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships winners, Japan, who are set to pose a serious threat to Malaysia, as they boast a balanced squad.

In singles, Japan can rely on the likes of Kodai Naraoka (world number nine), Yushi Tanaka (world number 19) and Koki W...