Victor Wembanyama called up to French team for 2027 World Cup qualifiers

Victor Wembanyama is back in the French national team for the first time since the 2024 Olympics.

What happened?

The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) named NBA star Victor Wembanyama in the squad for the opening two games of the main qualifying round for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The fixtures are scheduled for the end of August, starting with a clash against Slovenia and then Sweden. Wembanyama will also play two warm-up matches against Serbia one week before the qualifiers.

Why it matters for Victor Wembanyama

This return caps a 20-month absence from the French jersey. His last appearance came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he led France to the quarter-finals. Now he steps back into the blue-and-white singlet for a campaign that could shape France’s path to the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.

What comes next?

The qualifiers open on August 29 against Slovenia in Ljubljana. Wembanyama will line up alongside teammates like Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier in a group that also includes Sweden, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. A strong run could secure France a top-two finish and automatic qualification.

How France stacks up

France are ranked sixth in the latest FIBA world rankings. They sit two points behind Canada in the qualifying standings with four games remaining. A slip-up against Slovenia or Sweden could hand the group to rivals and force France into a playoff.