BERLIN (Germany) - France head coach Jean-Aime Toupane is expecting his side to make a push for the podium in the wake of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 draw in Berlin.
Reacting to being pitched in Group B against Hungary, Korea and Nigeria, his side were highly-fancied before the draw - but will now be red-hot favorites to take pole-position and step straight to the last eight of the competition.
Arguably because none of their group rivals are being tipped for a medal, so it could have been much more challenging - while they have already beaten both Nigeria and Korea recently, having faced them in the Qualifying Tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne.
Although Toupane is not taking their opponents lightly and is already looking to guard against complacency.
“Knowing who we’re going to play is important, but as we know, at this level all the teams are strong, so we need to stay focused," commented the playcaller.
"We mustn’t lose our focus just because we’ve recently played Nigeria and Korea. Facing a team you’ve beaten recently is never easy. We need to maintain the same level of seriousness, the same determination, and the same ambition to have a great tournament."
He continued: “The advantage is that we know them. But they know us too. It’s never easy to play Nigeria. This will be the third competition in a row where we face them—it’s always very tough. They’re a very strong team, led by a great coach."
"Korea are never easy either. They have an unusual style of play, very dynamic, with a lot of accuracy from the outside."
"We’ll keep doing what we know how to do. The most important thing is that the players arrive healthy and with a great mindset, and I know they will. I also know they’re very excited—everyone was waiting for the draw to start looking ahead to the competition."
Meanwhile they will have to be in first gear to navigate their way past Hungary, who jumped out of the so-called 'Group of Death' in Istanbul and have one of the leading upcoming stars in the global game in the shape of Dorka Juhasz.
We’re not making excuses - we truly have the ambition, with this group, to build something, to write a story together, and to experience a great journey
Of course With one of the strongest rosters of any participating nation, having been elevated to second in the FIBA World Ranking for Women, presented by NIKE and having made the gold medal game at Paris 2024, the goal is simple - and high.
Ending an epic FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup podium drought that stretches all the way back to 1953. “That’s our ambition," confirmed Toupane.
"Now, there’s a difference between wanting it and achieving it. But we’re not making excuses—we truly have the ambition, with this group, to build something, to write a story together, and to experience a great journey.
Although nothing has ever been simple for France in this famous competition and they must do something they have not managed in more than seven decades.
FIBA