The last time, Team USA met the French national team it eked out a 67-66 win in the gold medal game at the Paris Olympics behind strong games from A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Kahleah Copper. France was led by Gabby Williams and Valeriane Ayayi. It was a battle of veteran stars, although some younger players contributed to the French team’s success.
The team Sue Bird selected for the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in March looks much different. It is stacked with young talent. Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen, and Angel Reese will all suit up for Team USA—a group that highlights the treasure trove of young talent USA Basketball already has access to.
France has a similar depth of young talent. Ten of the 24 preselected players for the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne are under the age of 25, and a few of them have already impressed in the WNBA.
France has a lot of young talent
Earlier this month, the French Federation of Basketball revealed a list of pre-selected players who could all make the roster for the World Cup Qualifying Tournament. The final list of twelve players will be revealed on February 26.
Given the fact that almost half of the players on the pre-selected list are under the age of 25, the French team will highlight the next generation of domestic stars, just like Team USA. Fans in the U.S. are familiar with quite a few of the names on this list. Leila Lacan, Carla Leite, Dominique Malonga, Iliana Rupert, and Janelle Salaün have all made their WNBA debuts already.
Leite, Salaün, and Rupert played for the Golden State Valkyries last season, helping the team make its historic playoff appearance. Lacan put the league on notice when she joined the Connecticut Sun mid-season and immediately emerged as a defensive standout and offensive difference-maker. Malonga was the second overall pick in the 2025 draft and already promises to be one of the best players out of her draft class.
Nell Angloma, Pauline Astier, Sarah Cissé, Aminata Gueye, and Jess-Mine Zodia are all 24 or younger. Angloma is draft eligible this year and looks like a first-round pick. Cissé will be draft eligible next year.
Those players may not have the same global star level as Clark, Bueckers, or Reese, but they are very talented players and will ensure that France continues to compete with the U.S. at the highest level in international competitions.