The French basketball team is playing its first qualifying match for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar this Thursday, August 28, 2026, at 8:30 p.m., at the Accor Arena in Bercy. Opponent of the evening: Slovenia of Luka Doncic, in a poster which brings together the best European talents.
Victor Wembanyama wears the tricolor jersey after a series of two friendly confrontations against Serbia, resulting in a victory and a defeat. The San Antonio Spurs pivot leads a French racket which seeks to confirm its dynamics after Euro 2025.
Coach Brice Fauthoux has selected a group of fourteen players for this international window. The staff once again removed leader Nadir Hifi, absent from the match sheet for the second consecutive match. A decision that raises questions in the ranks of Paris Basketball.
Sylvain Francisco now occupies the role of starting leader. Second in the Euroleague MVP ranking last season with Zalgiris Kaunas, the 27-year-old Frenchman arrives in Paris in full possession of his means. The former Paris Basketball player averages 14.8 points and 5.3 assists on the European scene.
The Accor Arena is sold out for the occasion. More than 20,000 supporters are expected in the Bercy stadium to push the Blues from the start of the first quarter. The FFBB has planned a special preparation of the floor to accelerate the offensive tempo.
Slovenia arrives in Paris with a reshuffled group. Luka Doncic, in full preparation for the NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks, did not join the selection. The team is still led by coach Aleksander Sekulic, who is part of the continuity of the work carried out since 2021.
The Blues' schedule provides for a second meeting from Sunday August 31 at 5:30 p.m., in Sweden, against the same opponent. A double clash which will allow Fauthoux to test the depth of his bench before the main qualifying tournament, scheduled for February 2027.
The match is broadcast by Canal+ Sport, with a system including three additional cameras in the Bercy stands. Kick-off 8:30 p.m. French time.
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