France Women's Basketball: Historic Dunk & Dominant Win Over Philippines

Villeurbanne, France – The French women’s national basketball team launched their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a resounding 115-66 victory over the Philippines on Wednesday. The dominant performance was highlighted by a historic moment: Dominique Malonga becoming the first player in French national team history to record a dunk in a game.

The win sets a strong tone for France as they aim to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Berlin from September 4-13. They will face Colombia on Thursday evening (8:30 PM local time/2:30 PM ET) in another qualifying match, looking to build on this impressive start.

Coming together almost fully for the first time since the 2024 Olympic Games – where they secured a silver medal – and having only practiced together since Sunday, the French team displayed moments of slight disorganization, particularly early in the second period (committing 15 turnovers and showing some defensive lapses). However, the significant talent disparity between the two teams ensured these issues didn’t impact the final score. The first and second quarters saw France build commanding leads (19-4 after the first, 31-9 after the second).

The size difference was a key factor in France’s success. Ranked third in the world, France towered over the 39th-ranked Philippines, who featured only one player exceeding 5’7” (1.75m). This physical advantage translated into dominance on the boards (49 rebounds to 25) and in the paint (60 points to 24).

Malonga, at 6’6” (1.98m), was a focal point of the French attack, particularly in the opening quarter. The 20-year-old scored 11 of France’s 24 first-quarter points in under five minutes of play. But it was her dunk in the 18th minute, on a quick break, that will be remembered. The crowd, familiar with Malonga’s athleticism from her time with ASVEL, erupted as she slammed the ball through the hoop.

This wasn’t Malonga’s first dunk in professional basketball. She previously became the first French player to dunk in an official professional game in October 2024. However, this was a first for Les Bleues, adding another layer of significance to the moment. Malonga finished the game as the leading scorer and was named player of the match, with 21 points, 9 rebounds, and a performance evaluation of 30.

The French team’s victory wasn’t just about Malonga’s historic dunk. It was a display of overall dominance, showcasing their depth and talent. The team’s ability to control the boards and capitalize on the Philippines’ struggles was crucial to building and maintaining their lead. Although the game wasn’t without its imperfections – the 15 turnovers are an area for improvement – the overall performance was a positive sign as they progress through the qualifying tournament.

For the Philippines, the game served as a valuable learning experience against a world-class opponent. The team, comprised largely of players from the domestic league, faced a significant challenge in matching France’s size, athleticism, and experience.

France will now turn their attention to Thursday’s match against Colombia. A win would put them in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup in Berlin. The team will likely look to refine their offensive execution and tighten up their defense, building on the foundation laid in Wednesday’s dominant victory.

Fans can follow the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France through the official FIBA website: https://www.fiba.basketball/fr/events/fiba-womens-basketball-world-cup-2026-qualifying-tournament-villeurbanne-france

The next challenge for France is against Colombia on Thursday, March 12th at 8:30 PM local time (2:30 PM ET). What adjustments will coach Jean-Christophe Prat make after Wednesday’s game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!