France Names Eight WNBA Stars to 2026 World Cup Roster

The French Basketball Federation revealed on August 24, 2026, that eight WNBA players will feature on its national team roster for the upcoming FIBA Women's World Cup next month in Germany.

Former University of Connecticut star Gabby Williams and Connecticut Sun guard Leïla Lacan highlight the eight American-based professionals traveling to join Les Bleues. The group also features Carla Leite of the Portland Fire, Valériane Ayayi of the Phoenix Mercury, Janelle Salaun of the Golden State Valkyries, Pauline Astier and Marine Johannes of the New York Liberty, and Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm.

The eight athletes are expected to arrive in Germany by August 31. France will complete its 12-player squad after competing in two friendly games against Italy on August 27 and 28.

France seeks its first World Cup podium appearance since 1953 following a narrow one-point silver-medal loss to the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The French team opens tournament play against Hungary in Berlin on September 4.

Team USA previously announced its own 12-player World Cup selection earlier this month. The American roster features five returning gold medalists from the 2022 World Cup, alongside newcomers such as Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese, and Jackie Young.