France's Basketball Team Secures Narrow Win Over Hungary in Crucial 2027 World Cup Qualification Match

The French men's basketball team edged out Hungary 74-71 in a critical 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying match held in Szombathely, Hungary. Sylvain Francisco, captaining the team for the first time, sank a dramatic last-second three-pointer to clinch the victory, a moment that underscored France's resilience despite significant challenges.

Coached by Frédéric Fauthoux, the French side is navigating a tough qualification path for the World Cup in Qatar, which also serves as the gateway to the 2028 Olympic Games. The team’s current roster lacks NBA stars, primarily comprising players active in the French league. This absence puts additional pressure on players like Francisco, who described the winning shot as a confident choice amidst intense defense and high stakes. Teammate Amine Noua expressed full confidence in Francisco’s clutch abilities.

France aims to finish in the top three of their group, which includes Belgium, Finland, and Hungary, to advance in the competition and keep their Olympic hopes alive. They began the campaign with a loss to Finland but rebounded in this tight contest against an undefeated Hungary. Their qualification journey remains challenging with crucial upcoming matches, including a rematch against Hungary scheduled in Le Mans, and later games against Slovenia, Czech Republic, Sweden, or Estonia.

Looking ahead, the French team anticipates reinforcements from NBA players like Victor Wembanyama, expected to join after the NBA season ends in July, potentially bolstering their chances for both the World Cup and the Olympic Games. Ultimately, French basketball hopes to leverage this generation’s talent to reach an Olympic final showdown against a revitalized USA Dream Team in Los Angeles 2028, underscoring the significance of securing World Cup qualification in the upcoming months.