LYON-VILLEURBANNE, France – France’s Janelle Salaün has been named the TISSOT Most Valuable Player of the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament held in Lyon-Villeurbanne. The award recognizes Salaün’s dominant performance as France secured qualification for the tournament in Berlin.
The French team completed a perfect 5-0 run through the qualifying tournament, with Salaün playing a pivotal role in their success. She led her team in points, rebounds, and efficiency, averaging 16.7 points on an incredibly efficient 79% shooting from the field (19 of 24 shots made), along with 6.3 rebounds and a 19.7 efficiency rating. This marks the first MVP honor of Salaün’s FIBA career.
Salaün’s performance was particularly impressive considering she was held out of games against Colombia and South Korea due to a knee issue. Despite the limited minutes, her impact was undeniable. She showcased a remarkable ability to score efficiently, consistently finding the basket and contributing to France’s overall offensive flow.
The 24-year-ancient Salaün, who currently plays professionally for USK Praha in the Czech Women’s Basketball League and the Golden State Valkyries of the WNBA, has quickly turn into a key player for the French national team. She was also part of the French team that won a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Beyond individual accolades, Salaün’s performance underscores the growing strength of French women’s basketball. The team’s success in the qualifying tournament builds momentum as they prepare for the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. France will be aiming to reach the podium for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1953.
According to bebasket.fr, Salaün averaged 16.3 points per game during the tournament, shooting 79% from the field. She was also named to the tournament’s All-Star Five alongside teammate Marine Johannès.
The FIBA website details Salaün’s game-by-game statistics from the qualifying tournament. Against the Philippines on March 11th, she scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 22 minutes. Her most dominant performance came against Germany on March 14th, where she scored 18 points on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting. She also had 19 points against Nigeria on March 15th, shooting 66.7% from the field.
Salaün’s rise to prominence comes after a successful stint with Villeneuve-d’Ascq, where she helped lead the team to the Ligue Féminine championship in 2024. She then moved to Famila Schio, winning the Lega Basket Femminile championship in 2025 before joining the Golden State Valkyries and USK Praha. Her versatility, playing both small forward and power forward, makes her a valuable asset to any team.
The French team’s qualification for the World Cup is a significant achievement, and Salaün’s MVP performance is a testament to her dedication and skill. Fans will be eager to see if she can maintain this level of play when the tournament begins in Berlin. The team will undoubtedly glance to build on this momentum as they strive for a medal.
What’s Next: The FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 will be held in Berlin, Germany. Dates and specific group stage matchups will be announced by FIBA in the coming months. Keep an eye on FIBA’s official website for the latest updates and schedules.
Archysport will continue to provide coverage of the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 as more information becomes available.
