French National Team: A first forfeit for the 2026 World Cup

The preparation of the Blues continues without Alicia Tournebize (6’4″, 19 years old). Two weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup in Berlin, the young forward had to leave the French National Team gathering due to a finger injury. Her unavailability, estimated at several weeks after medical examinations carried out on Friday at INSEP, ends her hopes of taking part in the World Cup.

Touchée à un doigt, Alicia Tournebize quitte la préparation 🫤 Bon rétablissement Alicia 💪

➕ d’infos : https://t.co/2lNeDUP77y#PassionnémentBleu pic.twitter.com/lOZ6xDylWJ

— Équipes de France de Basket (@FRABasketball) August 22, 2026

Alicia Tournebize out after a finger injury

Present since Wednesday, August 19 at INSEP, Alicia Tournebize had been selected by Jean-Aimé Toupane to start the World Cup preparation. The South Carolina player, who came through the Bourges training academy, joined the Gamecocks during the 2025-2026 season.

But the forward injured a finger during a training session. The examinations carried out on Friday confirmed an absence of several weeks, forcing the Clermont native to leave the national team group. The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) officially announced her departure this Saturday, August 22.

Alicia Tournebize = 🔥#PassionnémentBleu | #FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/DKp8CaPAZP

— Équipes de France de Basket (@FRABasketball) August 21, 2026

The French National Team continues its preparation at INSEP

The players still present will continue their work in Paris before two first tests against Italy, third at the last women’s EuroBasket after their win in the small final against the French team. The two training matches are scheduled for Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28 at INSEP, behind closed doors.

The Blues will then head to Berlin on Saturday, August 29. One last preparation match against China, also played behind closed doors, is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1.

Some of the internationals currently playing in the WNBA are also expected to gradually join the France group before the start of the competition.

An entry into the competition on September 4 against Hungary

The French National Team will start its World Cup on Friday, September 4 at 9pm against Hungary. It will then face South Korea on Saturday, September 5, then Nigeria on Monday, September 7 to end the group stage.