France Women’s Basketball Completes Perfect FIBA World Cup Qualifying Run
Villeurbanne, France – The French women’s national basketball team capped off a dominant FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign with a decisive 89-62 victory over South Korea on Tuesday at the Astroballe in Villeurbanne. The win secures a perfect 5-0 record for Les Bleues, solidifying their status as a strong contender heading into the tournament this September in Germany.
France, silver medalists at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, demonstrated their depth and resilience throughout the qualifying tournament, previously defeating the Philippines, Colombia, Germany, and Nigeria. This latest victory, while coming against a Korean side already qualified for the World Cup, showcased the team’s ability to close out strong, particularly with a dominant fourth quarter where they outscored their opponents 41-18.
A Tight First Half Gives Way to French Dominance
The game began with a slow start for the French team, as South Korea jumped out to an early 7-0 lead. However, Marine Johannes quickly ignited the French offense, scoring two crucial three-pointers to bring the score to 8-10, and eventually leveling it at 10-10 after a basket from Marième Badiane. The first quarter saw both teams trading leads, ultimately ending with France ahead 19-16.
South Korea briefly regained the lead early in the second quarter, taking a 23-25 advantage. However, France responded and entered halftime with a narrow 32-31 lead. While not a flawless performance, the French were able to capitalize on their three-point shooting, connecting on 38% of their attempts from beyond the arc, and were led by 11 points from Johannes.
Second Half Surge Secures Victory
France never trailed in the second half, steadily increasing their lead. The margin grew to double digits in the third quarter (43-33, 48-38), but South Korea refused to concede, narrowing the gap to just four points (48-44). However, the fourth quarter proved to be decisive. France’s relentless pressure and accurate shooting overwhelmed the Korean team, resulting in the lopsided 41-18 final quarter.
The French team finished the game with an impressive 50% shooting percentage from three-point range (12 of 24) and dominated the boards, securing 46 rebounds compared to South Korea’s 28. Johannes led all scorers with 24 points, shooting 6-of-11 from three-point range, while Valériane Ayayi added 16 points, and Leïla Lacan and Aminata Gueye each contributed 11 and 10 points respectively.
Janelle Salaün was named the tournament’s MVP, recognizing her consistent performance throughout the qualifying campaign. Notably, the team navigated the tournament without Gabby Williams for this final match.
Looking Ahead to the FIBA World Cup
With qualifying complete, France now turns its attention to the FIBA World Cup in Germany, scheduled to begin on September 4th. The team’s impressive run through the qualifying tournament has established them as a team to watch. However, a potential challenge looms as the availability of players currently competing in the WNBA remains uncertain, pending the signing of a modern collective bargaining agreement. The timing of the WNBA season and the World Cup could impact head coach Jean-Aimé Toupane’s ability to assemble his preferred roster.
The French team will be looking to build on their strong form and make a deep run in the tournament. Their balanced attack, led by Johannes and supported by a strong supporting cast, makes them a formidable opponent for any team. The World Cup will provide a crucial test as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
French Scorers: Chéry (2), Ayayi (16), Badiane (7), Johannes (24), Touré (8), Gueye (10), Lacan (11), Bernies (5), Astier (6)
Next Up: The FIBA Women’s World Cup will be held in Germany from September 4-13, 2026. The full tournament schedule and bracket will be released in the coming months. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the French national team and the FIBA World Cup.
What do you reckon? Can France challenge for a medal at the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
