Villeurbanne bids to host Women's Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament

Will we soon see some of the world's best nations on the Astroballe court in Villeurbanne? That's the hope of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), which hopes to host one of the four qualifying tournaments for the Women's World Cup in the arena where Asvel plays. The bid was submitted to the international body, FIBA, on Tuesday, August 5.

This qualifying tournament, which notably concerns the French team, will take place from March 11 to 17, 2026 and has a major stake: it is essential to secure a place at the World Cup in Germany from September 4 to 13.

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" We have been in discussions with FIBA for several months with a view to organizing major international events in France again. Our expertise in this area is recognized, as is our ability to mobilize the public and make them popular celebrations ," said Jean-Pierre Hunckler, president of the FFBB.

The 2026 World Cup in Berlin will feature sixteen teams, five of which are directly qualified: the host country, Germany, and the winners of the continental competitions, namely Belgium, the United States, Australia, and Nigeria. Eleven places will therefore be up for grabs in the qualifiers.