LYON-VILLEURBANNE (France) - The moment the French roster for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament was announced, excitement levels soared and a debate was sparked as to its value and potential.
It even had some people reaching for the history books and wondering if the lineup was the best ever fielded by France. A bold claim of course, but not as fanciful as some might think.
After all, the current crop is made up largely from the group that matched their nation's best ever Olympic finish by reaching the title game at Paris 2024 - famously coming close to upsetting USA and taking gold.
With Gabby Williams, Marine Johannes and Dominique Malonga back in the mix after missing FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025, France look more than strong, classy and merely podium ready for Berlin.
You could argue they are bonafide contenders for the title itself - if everyone is available. Including of course Iliana Rupert, who had been announced for Lyon-Villeurbanne, but then withdrew due to an injury.
They have already powered their way to an unbeaten four wins in four games and look like completing the clean sweep.
The current qualities of this French roster are plentiful.
- Their overall quality and depth is arguably unrivaled aside from USA, even if some from Australia might contend this point.
- Their defensive efficiency is second to none.
- They have momentum-shifters and top-class clutch ballers in the likes of Williams and Johannes.
- There's the scary good and often unstoppable dunking Malonga, who's length, size, athleticism and still untapped potential have her destined to become one of the best in the global game.
- Their frontcourt and wings has such a great mix. As well as the amazing Williams, the rise of Malonga and all-around quality of Rupert in the paint, there's the mobility and shooting touch of Janelle Salaun which always catches the eye. Meanwhile Valeriane Ayayi always leads brilliantly by example.
- The backcourt is now populated by rising star Leila Lacan who looks to be a top class performer and a perfect foil for Marine Johannes.
There's so much to love, but to agree with the claim of this group being the greatest, comparisons need to be made - always a difficult task.
What about the London 2012 team that also reached the Olympic Final and three years earlier won their nation's last FIBA Women's EuroBasket title in 2009 with legends like Celine Cumerc and Sandrine Gruda?
Even before that, at the start of the century when Isabelle Fijalkowski-Tournebize, Cathy Melain, Nicole Antibe, Yanick Souvre and Edwige Lawson-Wade were balling together?
Perhaps the real issue in this debate is seeing if this French team can actually prove it and realize their potential.
Something surely only measurable by a medal at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and then the ending of a jaw-dropping 18 year drought in taking the FIBA Women's EuroBasket crown next year.
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