Belgium’s World Cup Qualifying Roster Revealed: How the Belgian Lions Face France Without Mitchell and Camara
Belgium’s national basketball team will take on France in a FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifying match on July 3 without two of its most experienced players, Ajay Mitchell and Toumani Camara, raising immediate questions about their World Cup campaign. The Belgian Lions’ roster, announced by the Belgian Basketball Federation, features a mix of NBA talent and emerging domestic stars—but the absence of Mitchell (who plays for the San Antonio Spurs) and Camara (currently with the Orlando Magic) leaves a notable void in both scoring and leadership.
Who’s Playing for Belgium Against France?
According to the official roster released by the Belgian Basketball Federation, the team will field a 12-man squad for the July 3 match against France in FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifying. Key names include:
- Players: Jordan Luyey (Portland Trail Blazers), Thomas Van Rossom (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Axel Toussaint (Maccabi Rishon LeZion), Elie Okobo (Baskonia), and emerging talents like Jente De Boeck (Le Mans) and Jorrel Houtekier (Baskonia).
- Coaching staff: Head coach David Blat, who has guided Belgium through recent qualifying campaigns, will lead a team without Mitchell and Camara for the first time since their 2023 FIBA World Cup preparations.
The match will be held at the Palais 1 in Antwerp, with kickoff set for 6:00 PM local time (UTC+2). France, currently ranked third in FIBA’s world rankings, enters the game as the favorites, while Belgium sits at 21st.
Why it matters: This is Belgium’s first qualifying match since the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they finished 12th. The absence of Mitchell (average 18.3 PPG in the NBA this season) and Camara (12.8 PPG) forces Belgium to rely on younger players and role-based contributions—a tactical shift that could define their World Cup ambitions.
Why Are Mitchell and Camara Missing?
Both Mitchell and Camara were expected to play a pivotal role in Belgium’s World Cup qualifying push, but injuries and scheduling conflicts have sidelined them:
- Ajay Mitchell: The Spurs forward has been dealing with a lower-body injury since May, limiting his availability. Mitchell, who holds Belgian nationality, has been a cornerstone of Belgium’s offense for years, averaging 16.2 PPG in FIBA competitions since 2020.
- Toumani Camara: The Magic guard, who plays for Belgium’s national team despite being born in France, has also been recovering from a knee issue. Camara’s leadership and playmaking (8.9 APG in FIBA play) have been critical to Belgium’s recent success.
According to a statement from the Belgian Basketball Federation, both players remain committed to the national team but are unable to participate in this specific match due to their recovery timelines. Mitchell’s representative confirmed to BasketEurope that he is “fully focused on his NBA recovery” but expects to return for future qualifiers.
Comparison: France’s roster, led by Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) and Evan Mobily (Cleveland Cavaliers), features two NBA All-Stars. Belgium’s squad, while talented, lacks the same depth in star power—a disparity that could influence the match’s outcome.
How Will Belgium Adjust Without Their Stars?
Coach Blat has emphasized a systems-based approach, leveraging Belgium’s depth and defensive identity. Key adjustments include:
- Elie Okobo’s role: The Baskonia forward (18.7 PPG in EuroLeague this season) will likely step into a primary scoring role, with support from Thomas Van Rossom (14.2 PPG in FIBA play).
- Defensive intensity: Belgium’s press defense, a hallmark under Blat, will remain a focal point to disrupt France’s rhythm. Axel Toussaint (6’10”, 250 lbs) will anchor the paint defense.
- Youth integration: Players like Jorrel Houtekier (19, 6’7”) and Jente De Boeck (21, 6’9”) will see increased minutes, providing Blat with opportunities to develop future stars.
Tactical challenge: France’s frontcourt—Wembanyama and Mobily—poses a significant matchup for Belgium’s smaller lineup. Without Mitchell’s stretch big-man skills or Camara’s playmaking, Belgium will need to rely on quick ball movement and three-point shooting (Belgium’s team 3P% in 2023: 36.8%) to create space.
What Happens Next for Belgium’s World Cup Bid?
Belgium’s qualifying path to the 2025 FIBA World Cup includes two more matches:
If Belgium wins all three matches, they will advance to the 2025 FIBA World Cup in Philippines/Japan. However, a loss to France could complicate their path, as they would need to rely on results from other groups.
Key deadline: The final qualifying window closes in November 2024, giving Belgium roughly four months to regroup and address their roster gaps.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About Belgium’s Match Against France
1. Can Belgium still qualify for the World Cup without Mitchell and Camara?
Yes, but it will be difficult. Belgium has a 50% chance of qualifying based on current form, according to FIBA’s simulation models. Their success hinges on defensive stops, three-point shooting, and strong performances from Okobo and Van Rossom.
2. Will Mitchell and Camara return for future qualifiers?
Likely, but not guaranteed. Mitchell’s representative has stated he is “committed to Belgium’s World Cup campaign” but will prioritize his NBA recovery. Camara, who has expressed his love for the national team, is expected to return if his knee recovers on schedule.
3. How does Belgium’s roster compare to France’s?
France has clear NBA-level depth, while Belgium relies on experience and role players.
| Category | Belgium | France |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Players | 4 (Luyey, Van Rossom, Okobo, Toussaint) | 7 (Wembanyama, Mobily, Evans, Fournier, etc.) |
| Average Age | 25.3 years | 23.8 years |
| Key Weakness | Scoring depth | Defensive consistency |
4. Where can I watch Belgium vs. France?
In Belgium: The match will be broadcast on Sporza and VT4. International viewers can check FIBA’s official streaming partners for availability.
Next Steps: How to Follow Belgium’s World Cup Bid
For updates on Belgium’s qualifying campaign, follow:
- FIBA’s official World Cup qualifying page for match schedules and results.
- BasketEurope for in-depth analysis and roster updates.
- Belgian Basketball Federation’s official site for team news and press releases.
Comment below: Do you think Belgium can overcome the loss of Mitchell and Camara? Share your predictions for the July 3 match.
