French judoka Luka Mkheidze was eliminated in his first match at the world judo championships on Sunday, October 4, 2026. This was a significant disappointment for the French delegation, which had high hopes for his performance in the competition. Mkheidze, who competes in the men's -90 kg category, faced strong opposition from his opponent, who secured a decisive victory in the early stages of the tournament. The world judo championships, held annually, bring together top athletes from around the globe to compete in various weight classes. For France, the event is an important opportunity to showcase its talent on the international stage. Mkheidze had previously shown promise in regional and continental competitions, making his early exit all the more surprising to fans and teammates alike. French judo coach Thierry Lecointre expressed his disappointment following the match, noting that Mkheidze had trained extensively for this event. The athlete's performance was closely watched, as he was seen as a potential medal contender in the -90 kg category. His elimination means France will have fewer chances to secure a podium finish in this weight class this year. Despite the setback, the French judo team remains focused on the remaining matches. Other athletes are expected to step up and compete fiercely in the upcoming rounds. The team's overall performance at the championships will be evaluated based on the results of all participants, and hopes remain high for a strong showing in the coming days.