The French women’s basketball team returns to action quickly, facing Colombia on Thursday evening in Villeurbanne, France, as part of the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament. Coming off a dominant 115-66 victory over the Philippines on Wednesday, Les Bleues aim to strengthen their position in a competitive group vying for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Berlin from September 4th to 13th.
This second contest of the tournament pits France, currently ranked third in the world by FIBA, against Colombia (ranked 19th). The stakes are high as head coach Jean-Aimé Toupane’s squad looks to secure one of the four available qualifying places. Germany and Nigeria have already automatically qualified, meaning France must finish ahead of at least two of the remaining teams – the Philippines, Colombia, and South Korea – to punch their ticket to Berlin.
What’s at Stake for France?
The tournament format adds another layer of complexity. Beyond simply winning games, point differential could become a factor in tiebreakers. France’s impressive offensive performance against the Philippines certainly provides a boost in that regard. A win against Colombia would significantly improve their chances of progressing, but the remaining schedule presents a considerable challenge.
Following the match against Colombia, France will face Germany on Saturday, followed by a Sunday showdown with Nigeria, the reigning African champions. The tournament concludes on Tuesday, March 17th, with a game against South Korea. Each game carries significant weight, and Toupane will be looking for consistent performances from his team.
How to Watch France vs. Colombia
Basketball fans can catch the action live on BeIN Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 20:30 local time on Thursday, March 12th. That translates to 8:30 PM Central European Time (CET) and 2:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) for viewers in North America.
Dominique Malonga Makes History
The opening win against the Philippines wasn’t just about the scoreline. it was also a historic night for French basketball. Dominique Malonga etched her name into the record books by becoming the first French player to record a dunk in an official international match. The powerful play electrified the crowd at the Astroballe arena in Villeurbanne and provided a memorable moment for fans.
France’s Dominance Against the Philippines: A Recap
The game against the Philippines highlighted the significant difference in stature and experience between the two teams. France’s average height of 1.84 meters (approximately 6’0”) contrasted sharply with the Philippines’ 1.70 meters (approximately 5’7”). This physical advantage allowed the French players to control the paint and dominate the rebounding battle.
Janelle Salaün’s shooting accuracy and Malonga’s immediate impact off the bench were key factors in establishing a comfortable lead early in the game. Despite a few early turnovers, France quickly found their rhythm and pulled away, leading 24-9 at the end of the first quarter. The victory was a comprehensive display of French basketball prowess, setting a positive tone for the rest of the qualifying tournament.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Berlin
The FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 promises to be a thrilling event, and France is determined to be a part of it. The qualifying tournament presents a challenging but achievable goal. With a strong roster and a determined coach, Les Bleues are well-positioned to compete for a spot in Berlin. However, they will demand to maintain their focus and intensity throughout the remainder of the tournament, starting with Thursday’s crucial match against Colombia.
The upcoming games against Germany and Nigeria will undoubtedly test France’s mettle. Germany, ranked 12th in the world, will provide a stern test of their offensive and defensive capabilities. Nigeria, the African champions ranked 8th, will bring a physical and athletic challenge. Successfully navigating these encounters will be vital to securing a place at the World Cup.
For fans eager to follow the team’s progress, staying tuned to BeIN Sports 1 and official FIBA channels will provide the latest updates, scores, and highlights. The journey to Berlin is underway, and the French women’s basketball team is ready to fight for their place on the world stage.
Next up for France is their match against Germany on Saturday, March 14th. Be sure to check back with Archysport for a full preview and recap of that game.
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