France led the European charge on Day 5 at the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025 in Chengdu, bouncing back in style with a convincing 8–3 victory over Croatia. Making his first appearance of the event, Simon GAUZY teamed up with Prithika PAVADE to edge Ivor BAN and Hana ARAPOVIĆ 2–1 in a tense mixed doubles opener, sealing the decider 16–14. Charlotte LUTZ then impressed on her debut, overpowering Lea RAKOVAC 3–0 in the women’s singles, before Alexis LEBRUN recovered from a slow start and a sharp Tomislav PUCAR to take the men’s singles 2–1. LUTZ and PAVADE later closed the tie, holding their nerve in doubles to secure France’s 8–3 win and a strong response after the heartbreak against Korea Republic the night before. Sweden were edged 8–6 by Hong Kong, China in one of the most dramatic ties of the day. Early success from Kristian KARLSSON and Christina KÄLLBERG in the mixed doubles and a late surge in the women’s doubles weren’t enough to overturn missed chances in singles and doubles, leaving Sweden with plenty to regret in Stage 2. Germany, ran into a red-hot Japan, falling 8–3 despite a strong men’s singles display from Dang QIU, who again found a way past Tomokazu HARIMOTO. Japan’s sharp, disciplined team performance keeps them unbeaten and leaves Germany with work to do in the race for knockout positions. At the top of the table, China underlined their status as favourites with a commanding 8–0 win over Korea Republic, ending the Koreans’ unbeaten run and reinforcing their dominance in Chengdu. With France back on track and both Sweden and Germany still fighting to position themselves for the business end of Stage 2, European hopes remain very much alive as the road to LA28 continues to take shape in Sichuan.