Villeurbanne, France – The road to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup takes a crucial turn this week as France hosts a qualifying tournament at the Astroballe arena. From Wednesday, March 11th to Tuesday, March 17th, Les Bleues will compete against the Philippines, Colombia, South Korea, Nigeria and Germany for one of the remaining eleven spots in the 16-team tournament, set to be held in Berlin from September 4th to 13th, 2026.
Five teams have already secured their place in the World Cup: Germany (as hosts), the United States (winners of the AmericaCup), Nigeria (African champions), Belgium (European champions), and Australia (Asian champions). The stakes are high in Villeurbanne, as only four teams will advance to the main event in Berlin.
A Favorable Draw for France?
France, currently ranked third in the world by FIBA, is widely considered the favorite to secure one of the qualifying spots. Although, they must finish among the top four teams, navigating a group that includes the Philippines (ranked 39th), Colombia (19th), and South Korea (15th). Germany and Nigeria have already qualified, meaning Les Bleues need to outperform two of those three opponents. Despite a fourth-place finish at the recent EuroBasket Women tournament, the French team possesses a significant advantage in talent and experience.
The French squad will largely consist of the players who won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with nine of those twelve medalists returning. Key players like Gabby Williams, Marine Johannès, and Dominique Malonga are expected to lead the charge. With this core group, a strong showing is anticipated, and many expect France to finish the tournament undefeated.
“We only have 2-3 training sessions before the first match, but if we’re all in the right mindset and energy, we can already offer something very solid on Wednesday (8:30 PM CET) against the Philippines,” said Alexia Chery, as reported by the French Basketball Federation.
Beyond Qualification: World Cup Title and Olympic Dreams
While securing a spot in the World Cup is the immediate goal, France has its sights set even higher: winning the tournament itself. A World Cup title would not only bring glory but too guarantee automatic qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Failing to win would necessitate participation in a qualifying tournament in the summer of 2027, a potentially challenging path, mirroring the difficulties faced by the French men’s team in recent years.
The timing of the World Cup, scheduled during a break in the WNBA season, could also play to France’s advantage. The United States, traditionally a dominant force in international basketball, may not be able to field its full roster of WNBA stars, creating an opportunity for other teams to contend for the title.
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is a showcase of the best talent in the sport, and France is determined to be a major player. The team’s blend of Olympic experience, WNBA professionals, and home-court advantage makes them a strong contender for both qualification and the championship.
Tournament Schedule for Les Bleues
Here is the complete schedule for France’s matches in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne:
- Wednesday, March 11th: France vs. Philippines (8:30 PM CET)
- Thursday, March 12th: Colombia vs. France (8:30 PM CET)
- Saturday, March 14th: Germany vs. France (8:30 PM CET)
- Sunday, March 15th: France vs. Nigeria (7:00 PM CET)
- Tuesday, March 17th: South Korea vs. France (8:30 PM CET)
All times are Central European Time (CET). France-Nigeria will be broadcast live on BeIN SPORTS at 7:00 PM CET, while all other matches will be broadcast live on BeIN SPORTS at 8:30 PM CET.
The upcoming week in Villeurbanne will be pivotal for the French women’s basketball team. With a World Cup berth and Olympic qualification on the line, Les Bleues are focused on delivering a strong performance and continuing their journey towards international success. Fans can follow the action live on BeIN SPORTS and stay updated on the latest news from the French Basketball Federation.
