Victor Wembanyama scored 18 points, grabbed eight rebounds and led France’s late surge in an 84-69 win over Sweden to strengthen Les Bleus’ lead in Group L.
Victor Wembanyama took over late as France pulled away from Sweden for an 84-69 win in the 2027 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers.
Player of the Game
The San Antonio Spurs superstar finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal in 30 minutes. He made 5-of-6 two-point attempts, his only three-pointer, and 5-of-8 free throws.
He finished with a game-high 25 efficiency rating.
Sweden was still in position to pull off the upset late in the fourth quarter. The hosts led 65-64 with five minutes remaining, but France then closed the game on a 20-4 run.
Wembanyama and Jaylen Hoard played key roles during the decisive stretch.
Hoard finished with 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting. Maxime Raynaud and Matthew Strazel added 13 points each for France.
Miami Heat wing Pelle Larsson led Sweden with 23 points. He played 34 minutes and made 13-of-16 free throws.
France strengthens first place in Group L
France recorded its seventh victory of the qualifying campaign.
Les Bleus improved their position at the top of Group L and remain in pole position to qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
Wembanyama has now produced two strong performances since returning to international competition.
He scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds in his official France return, leading Les Bleus past Luka Doncic-less Slovenia 92-67.
Wembanyama in friendly games vs. Serbia
Wembanyama struggled in France’s first friendly against Nikola Jokic-led Serbia, finishing with 10 points, four rebounds and six turnovers in 24 minutes in a 90-87 loss.
He responded in the rematch with 18 points as France edged Serbia 91-90.
The last time Wemby suited up for France was in the 2024 Olympics, where he averaged 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks per game and led France to a silver medal and earned a spot on the tournament’s All-Star Five.
France: Victor Wembanyama 18 (5/6 2PT, 1/1 3PT, 5/8 FT, 8 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 3 BLK, 25 EFF), Maxime Raynaud 13, Matthew Strazel 13 (6 AST), Jaylen Hoard 10, Sylvain Francisco 9, Joel Ayayi 7, Amine Noua 5, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot 4, Terry Tarpey 3, Evan Fournier 2.
Sweden: Pelle Larsson 23 (2/6 2PT, 2/3 3PT, 13/16 FT), Ludde Hakanson 16, Viktor Gaddefors 9 (10 REB), Melwin Pantzar 6, Bobi Klintman 6 (7 REB), Simon Birgander 6 (7 AST), Denzel Andersson 3.
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