-70 kg: France Leads the Chase for Gold
France enters as the clear favourite, with world number one Lucie Rullier leading the field. Rullier, who placed fifth at the EYOF Skopje 2025, arrives in Sofia determined to convert her top ranking into a world title. Africa is represented by rising star Yasmine Harris, already a continental junior champion, who will be eager to demonstrate her potential on the world stage. Georgia, whose women’s team is showing steady progress in the wake of their new senior world champion, Eteri Liparteliani, may yet upset the balance with Keti Robakidze, while Roksana Zys will carry Polish hopes. With such variety at the top, Saturday promises surprises as the category unfolds.
-90kg: Lithuania Sets the Standard
Lithuania has been a revelation in the cadet age group and here they field top seed Majus Genys, winner of the EYOF Skopje 2025 earlier this season. His challengers include Abdula Suleimanov (IJF), Georgia’s Giorgi Zurabashvili and Kazakhstan’s Batyrzhan Toktar, all of whom could threaten for gold. Behind them lurks a wave of potential contenders from Brazil, Uzbekistan, Italy and Serbia, nations with proud traditions in the heavier divisions and the ability to shake up the draw. Expect fireworks from the very first round.
+70kg: French Depth in the Heavyweights
Once again, as in the lighter women’s divisions, France will begin the day with a strong hand. Emma Feuillet--Nguimgo holds the number one seeding position, closely followed by Kristyna Kasperova (CZE). France has a second contender in the top three with Astan Sacko, while Zarina Bobonazarova (UZB) rounds out the leading quartet. Whether the final podium will reflect this seeding is far from certain but it is clear that the French delegation is intent on ending the individual programme in style.
+90kg: Heavyweight Showdown to Close the Day
The final individual category will feature a strong international mix, headlined by Kanta Ueyama (USA). His presence is particularly symbolic as the world of judo already looks towards Los Angeles 2028, where the Olympic Games will bring judo to the heart of the United States. Ueyama will be keen to prove that the future of American judo is bright. His challengers include Subhan Akhundov (AZE), Daniel Csermak (HUN) and Yi-An Li (TPE), each of whom will have dreams of their own. With the heavyweights always capable of delivering spectacular contests, this final category promises a fitting close to the individual championships.
