By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With the San Antonio Spurs clinching a berth in the Western Conference Finals of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, Victor Wembanyama has been ruled out for the next FIBA window in July, to resume action in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
The head coach of the senior national team of France, Frederic Fauthoux, confirmed during a recent interview with RMC Sport that Wemby was extremely unlikely to be available if the Spurs progress. Therefore, the 22-year-old center will miss the July 3rd away game against Belgium and the July 6th home fixture against Finland, but is expected to be available for the second window of this offseason, scheduled for late August.
The Le Chesnay native previously starred at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, capturing a silver medal, being named Rising Star, and earning a spot in the All-Star Five. This followed his senior debut during the FIBA World Cup 2023 Qualifiers and multiple standout appearances at the junior level.
While Wembanyama is out for July, the selector of Les Bleus confirmed the return of veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier to the national team program. However, he admitted he has not yet explicitly discussed whether the 33-year-old center of the Minnesota Timberwolves would report early enough to suit up for the first summer window.
France, having secured a 3-1 record in Group G, has already qualified for the next stage of the European Qualifiers. Carrying the W-L record into Group L, they will start a new six-game schedule during the August window, aiming for a top-three finish to secure a World Cup ticket.