The BWF World Championships 2026, scheduled to be held in India, promise to be a spectacle of world-class badminton. While the spotlight often falls on established stars like Viktor Axelsen and P.V. Sindhu, several underrated players are poised to make a significant impact. Here are five such talents to keep an eye on.
1. Toma Junior Popov (France)
The Frenchman has been quietly climbing the rankings with his aggressive style and powerful smashes. Popov stunned the badminton world by reaching the semi-finals of the 2025 European Championships, defeating higher-ranked opponents. His unpredictable net play and stamina make him a dark horse for a medal in 2026.
2. Kisona Selvaduray (Malaysia)
Malaysia's women's singles player has shown flashes of brilliance on the BWF World Tour. Selvaduray defeated two top-10 players at the 2025 Malaysia Open, earning her a spot in the quarter-finals. Her ability to control the pace of rallies and her deceptive drop shots could trouble the best in the world.
3. Rasmus Gemke (Denmark)
Often overshadowed by fellow Dane Viktor Axelsen, Gemke possesses a solid all-round game. He holds a win over Axelsen at the 2024 European Team Championships and has a 60% win rate in 2025. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen make him a potential quarter-finalist or better.
4. Iris Wang (USA)
The American player has been a consistent performer in the Pan American region, winning two Pan American Championships titles. Wang's aggressive baseline game and quick reflexes allow her to compete with top Asian players. She reached the Round of 16 at the 2025 World Championships and aims to go further in 2026.
5. Kantaphon Wangcharoen (Thailand)
Thailand's men's singles star has a deceptive playstyle that confuses opponents. Wangcharoen notably defeated reigning Olympic champion Chen Long at the 2023 Thailand Open. His unpredictability and creativity on court could see him upset higher-seeded players in the early rounds.
Why Watch These Underdogs?
According to former Indian badminton player Aparna Popat, "Underrated players often have the element of surprise. They have nothing to lose and can play freely." Their hunger for recognition and recent strong performances indicate that the 2026 Championships could witness several upsets. With home crowd support expected for Indian players, these international talents will look to make their mark.
What to Expect
The BWF World Championships 2026 will feature 64 players in each singles draw, and these five are among those who could break into the top 16. The tournament is scheduled for August 2026 in New Delhi. Tickets are already selling fast, with fans eager to see emerging stars.
