France will host the 2031 Men's Basketball World Cup. The announcement was made this Wednesday by the International Basketball Federation. This is a first in the history of French basketball: the country has never before been chosen to organize this major competition on the world calendar.
The tournament will take place from August 29 to September 14, 2031. Three cities have been selected to host the event: Lille, Lyon, and Paris. The final phase is to be held in the capital.
This designation marks a significant milestone for the French Basketball Federation and, more broadly, for basketball's place in the French sporting landscape. By securing the hosting of this World Cup, France is entrusted with an event that brings together the best international teams.
Three cities selected to host the tournament
Lille, Lyon and Paris will form the backbone of the French organization. The choice of these three cities is based on their capacity to host a large-scale international event, both in terms of infrastructure and in terms of welcoming the public and delegations.
Lille has already distinguished itself by hosting major indoor sporting events. Lyon has a significant presence in French sport and facilities well-suited to this type of competition. Finally, Paris will offer the World Cup its greatest exposure, particularly for the most anticipated matches and the tournament's decisive games.
The distribution across several sites should allow for an organization that is both ambitious and balanced, relying on territories capable of supporting the event on a sporting, logistical and media level.
An important decision for French basketball
The awarding of the 2031 World Cup confirms the progress of French basketball on the international stage. For several years, the sport has benefited from increasing visibility in France, driven by the results of the national teams, the emergence of top players, and a wider public interest.
