LYON-VILLEURBANNE (France) - Expectations will be high for France when they take to the court for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments after making a serious statement of intent by naming a roster soaked with star quality.
All of their biggest names are on board for the event on home soil, with nine returnees from the team that reached the Olympic Final at Paris 2024 and almost upset USA.
Fans will get to see an oustanding lineup of talent in Lyon-Villeurbanne, with the roster instantly installing France as favorites to advance - as well as being serious podium contenders for September's big show in Berlin if they qualify as anticipated.
Headlined by some of the biggest ballers in the women's game, the likes of Gabby Williams, Marine Johannes, Iliana Rupert and Valeriane Ayayi will be ready to take their team to glory.
Williams and Johannes return after missing FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 when France surprisingly missed out on a medal at the event. The one-two punch they provide will give France a major boost as they get ready to face Colombia, Germany, Korea, Nigeria and Philippines.
There is also a return for center Dominque Malonga, who's presence in the paint at both ends of the floor will post a headache matchup for opposing teams.
Meanwhile Leila Lacan has been on fire this season in EuroLeague Women as a driving force for Basket Landes in their fairytale run to Final Six. The guard underlined her growth by taking the January MVP honor.
Similarly, Iliana Rupert is in the running for this season's EuroLeague Women MVP after also shifting through the gears for Fenerbahce Opet.
There are also spots for veteran playmaker Romane Bernies, as well as Aminata Gueye, Janelle Salaun, Marieme Badiane, Pauline Asiter and Migna Toure.
FIBA