France Women’s Basketball Team Completes Perfect 5-0 Run at World Cup Qualifying Tournament
The cohesion and endurance of the French team made the difference
France’s women’s basketball team wrapped up their World Cup qualifying tournament in spectacular fashion, delivering a dominant 89-62 victory against South Korea. Despite missing Dominique Malonga due to injury and resting stars Gabby Williams and Janelle Salaün, the reduced nine-player roster maintained the same winning formula that had carried them through four previous matches.
The 27-point victory margin was sealed with a explosive fourth quarter performance (36-17), capping off a flawless week-long campaign that saw France secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup with style.
Marine Johannès leads offensive showcase
South Korea presented a familiar challenge, relying on fast-paced play and 3-point shooting to compensate for their physical disadvantage. The Koreans attempted seven more shots from beyond the arc than France but converted one fewer (11/31 compared to 12/24). This exterior shooting accuracy proved to be excellent news for the tournament, as France finished as the best 3-point shooting team with 43% efficiency.
Marine Johannès orchestrated the offensive display, scoring 24 points while connecting on 6 of 11 attempts from downtown. The New York Liberty WNBA star delivered several hot streaks that delighted the home crowd, responding to strong performances from Korean shooters Leeseul Kang (17 points on 5/11 from deep) and Isaem Choi (14 points on 4/6).
Give me Marine highlights everyday 📼 #FIBAWWC
📊 24 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST pic.twitter.com/DGFbah4vw7
— FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) March 17, 2026
« Since we had some absences, we really helped each other out. The last game is always the hardest physically. I think we rotated well, we stayed really united on the court, and I think that showed in our game, » Johannès told BeIN Sports.
With only an 8-point deficit entering the final quarter (45-53), Jean-Aimé Toupane’s squad accelerated to finish with their largest margin of victory. France’s roster depth and superior conditioning proved decisive against opponents who clearly felt the impact of playing five games in seven days.
Team chemistry drives championship aspirations
Having already secured their Berlin ticket at the tournament’s midpoint, the remaining matches served to build confidence and strengthen team cohesion – the hallmark of this French selection. Captain Valériane Ayayi, who contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, emphasized this unity to BeIN Sports:
« The French National Team is a big family. We take great pleasure playing together, we want to do great things together, we’re kind of on a mission… We were a completely different team from the Euros. 5/5, we can go home satisfied. It was also important to us to play again in front of our audience, to give back the emotions we experienced at Paris 2024. »
Janelle Salaün earned tournament MVP honors despite missing the final game, averaging 16.7 points on 79.2% shooting (including 61.5% from 3-point range) and 6.3 rebounds across four contests. Marine Johannès joined her on the All-Star Five with 9.8 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 43% from beyond the arc. The quintet was completed by Korea’s Leeseul Kang, Germany’s Frieda Buhner, and Nigeria’s Victoria Macaulay.
🏀 WCUP 2026 – Qualifications
🇰🇷🇫🇷 Sans faute pour les Bleus, qui terminent par une victoire contre la Corée du Sud ! Janelle Salaün élue MVP du tournoi ! pic.twitter.com/eqgpRSpaC2— NBAextra (@NBAextra) March 17, 2026
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