In the opening round of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, the French national team has made a bold statement. After a heartbreaking loss to the United States at the Paris Olympics two years ago, the squad entered the tournament with a renewed sense of purpose and a roster stacked with WNBA talent.
Group Play: A Series of Dominant Performances
France opened its campaign on Friday with a 99‑53 rout of Hungary, establishing an early lead in the group. The following day, the French side continued its offensive onslaught, defeating South Korea 95‑69. On Monday, the team capped the week with a 55‑point demolition of Nigeria, winning 112‑57.
Guard Gabby Williams led the charge in the Nigeria game, scoring 25 points on 6‑of‑9 shooting while adding six rebounds and four assists. She was supported by forward Janelle Salaun, who contributed 19 points and three steals, and guard‑forward Marine Johannes, who posted 17 points and four assists.
Depth and Talent Across the Roster
The French roster features eight current WNBA players: Pauline Astier (New York Liberty), Valeriane Ayayi (Phoenix Mercury), Marine Johannes (New York Liberty), Leila Lacan (Connecticut Sun), Carla Leite (Portland Fire), Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm), Janelle Salaun (Golden State Valkyries) and Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries). The bench also boasts significant talent, with Malonga named a WNBA All‑Star this season and Astier emerging as a strong rookie candidate.
Center Mariame Badiane, along with forwards Romane Bernies, Aminata Gueye and Migna Toure, round out a deep and versatile lineup. Four of the WNBA standouts—Williams, Salaun, Ayayi and Lacan—are starters, providing the team with a high‑level of experience and skill.
Record‑Setting Shooting
In the Monday matchup, France set a new World Cup record for most three‑pointers made in a single game, sinking 22 shots from beyond the arc. The display underscores the team’s modern, perimeter‑oriented style of play and its ability to stretch defenses.
Looking Ahead: The United States Challenge
While France has dominated its early opponents, the path to a gold medal will likely require a showdown with the United States, the perennial powerhouse of women’s basketball. The U.S. team, however, showed vulnerability in its own Group Play, narrowly defeating Italy by three points after a close contest.
France’s strong start, combined with its depth of professional experience, suggests that the team could be a serious contender for the title. If they maintain this level of play, the 2026 tournament may well become a defining moment for French women’s basketball.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
