France to Host Basketball World Cup in 2031

In a historic announcement, France has been designated as the host country for the Men's Basketball World Cup in 2031, marking a significant milestone in the nation's sports history. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) revealed this decision on April 22, 2026, stating that the tournament will be held from August 29 to September 14, 2031.

This will be the first time France has hosted the Men's Basketball World Cup, following the last three editions held in Asia (2019, 2023, and 2027). The competition is set to take place in major cities including Lille, Lyon, and Paris, with the final match scheduled to occur in the capital city.

The announcement comes as part of FIBA's broader strategy to recognize countries that are prominent organizers of international sporting events, especially following the successful hosting of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Jean-Pierre Hunckler, the president of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), had previously expressed interest in hosting the World Cup, emphasizing that France has never before hosted such a prestigious basketball event. He noted the excitement surrounding basketball in France, particularly after the Olympic Games, where basketball ticket sales accounted for 10% of the total Olympic ticket sales, attracting over 1.1 million spectators.

Looking ahead, the French national team, known as Les Bleus, aims to replicate the success they experienced during the Olympics, where they secured a silver medal after a hard-fought final against the United States. Star player Victor Wembanyama, who will be 27 years old by the time of the World Cup, is expected to be a key figure for the team, bringing high hopes for a successful campaign on home soil.

Before the 2031 World Cup, the French team must secure their qualification for the upcoming World Cup scheduled to be held in Qatar from August 27 to September 12, 2027. As anticipation builds for this landmark event, basketball fans in France are eager to witness their team shine on the world stage.