France open World Cup 2027 second phase in style

France began the second phase of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers by reinforcing their position at the top of Group L. Frédéric Fauthoux’s team responded to an uneven opening round against Serbia with a commanding performance against Slovenia in Paris.

The Olympic runners-up won 92-67 after building a 19-point advantage by half-time and extending the gap beyond 30 in the third quarter. Victor Wembanyama led the way with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Matthew Strazel added 13 points and six assists. Maxime Raynaud also scored 13, and Rudy Gobert finished with nine points and seven rebounds. Slovenia played without Luka Doncic, but France controlled the game from the early stages and never allowed a serious fightback.

The victory leaves France with six wins from seven matches across the qualification campaign and at the summit of Group L. Slovenia briefly reduced the deficit during the game, but France restored its authority before closing out a comfortable win. The team’s next assignment is away to Sweden on Sunday. Sweden enters that meeting after edging Finland 86-81, leaving France to face a side that also opened this phase with a victory.