LYON-VILLEURBANNE (France) - The French Basketball Federation have appointed an impressive lineup of five ambassadors to help shine a spotlight on the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne.
Forming a top-class starting five, the ambassadors have all previously made their mark on the international stage and collectively, the quintet embody the values of commitment, solidarity and high performance that are commonly associated with the French national team.
The ambassadors are headlined by legendary frontcourt duo Endy Miyem and Sandrine Gruda. The pair have an outstanding 235 and 225 caps respectively to their names, with the Gruda also the all-time leading scorer for the French national team.
Another baller who excelled in the paint was Helena Ciak, with the center stepping out 137 times for her country. Meanwhile flying the flag for the wing and backcourt are Diandra Tchatchouang and Paoline Salagnac who hold 107 and 47 caps each.
There's a special atmosphere and energy that comes through. A Qualifying Tournament at home is truly the icing on the cake
All the ambassadors will attend a series of special pre-tournament events ahead of the main show taking place at the Astroballe Arena from March 11 to 17.
Speaking about her appetite for the role, Endy Miyem stated: "Clearly, it's an advantage to be able to play this tournament at home. It's a chance to connect with the fans, and for the public to see the French national team in action.
"When you're at home, you're in a bubble, you're always better off, you feel more comfortable, you get a little more attention. It's always easier, and when you wear the blue jersey, there's a special atmosphere and energy that comes through. A Qualifying Tournament at home is truly the icing on the cake.
"I want to tell them [the fans] objectively speaking, that basketball is truly the best sport in the world," continued Miyem.
"The French women's national team is one of the best in the world, with an extraordinary track record. It's a chance to come and see these amazing players and cheer them on so they can qualify for the World Cup. They can then say they played a small part in that qualification.
"Meeting these young people is also a way for us to offer them role models, to talk about our own journeys, and simply to inspire them a little. I want to encourage them to believe and to chase their dreams. It's important that we're here, we've worn this jersey, we can share a little bit of the French national team with them and make them want to go and support the girls in Villeurbanne," she concluded.
France will be strong favorites to take their ticket to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany this September. They will face Philippines, Colombia, Germany, Nigeria and Korea in the Qualifying Tournament.
FIBA