Victor Wembanyama, a 22-year-old rising star and vice-champion from the San Antonio Spurs, expressed his desire to play for the French national basketball team during an interview with beIN Sports at the All Star Game in Los Angeles. He stated, "Of course, absolutely, it’s my goal," indicating his commitment to being part of the team's upcoming international matches this summer. With the French team coming off a disappointing Euro performance the previous year, his inclusion could bolster their chances in international play.

The French team, under coach Freddy Fauthoux, is currently in the qualification phase for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar. After an initial window where the team secured a victory against Belgium (79-63) but fell to Finland (83-76), they are preparing to face Hungary in two crucial matches at the end of February and the beginning of March. While the squad will include several Euroleague players, notable NBA players are not expected to participate in this phase of the competition. This dynamic could influence the overall team composition and strategy moving forward.

As the qualification rounds conclude in July, with matches set to take place in Belgium and against Finland, Wembanyama's potential participation could ignite a renewed sense of optimism for French basketball fans. The overall performance in these qualifiers is critical not only for the team's chance to compete on the world stage but also for shaping the future of French basketball as it prepares for challenges ahead.