RismadarVoice Reporters, April 23, 2026
France has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2031 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup, setting the stage for what could become a defining moment in the nation’s basketball history.
The decision, announced by the FIBA on Wednesday, positions France to host the global showpiece across key cities including Lyon, Lille, and Paris. The French capital will stage the final phase of the tournament from August 29 to September 14.
The announcement has sparked excitement around the prospect of a home tournament for Victor Wembanyama, widely regarded as one of the sport’s brightest talents. By 2031, Wembanyama is expected to be at the peak of his career and could lead France’s charge for a historic title on home soil.
The 7-foot-4 star already made a strong impression on the global stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he helped France secure a silver medal, delivering a standout 26-point performance in the final against the United States.
FIBA cited France’s proven track record in hosting major international events as a key factor in awarding the tournament. The country recently demonstrated its organisational capacity during global competitions, strengthening its bid.
In a related development, Japan was named host of the 2030 FIBA Women’s World Cup, with Tokyo set to stage the tournament from November 26 to December 8. The selection reinforces Japan’s growing reputation as a dependable host following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where its women’s team also claimed silver.
The announcements further shape the international basketball calendar, with Berlin scheduled to host the next Women’s World Cup later this year, while Qatar prepares to stage the 2027 Men’s edition.
For France, however, attention is already shifting toward 2031, when a new generation of players, led by Wembanyama, will aim to convert home advantage into a long-awaited global triumph.
