France took control late to beat Sweden 84-69 in the European second round of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 qualifying. The game was still in the balance entering the fourth quarter, but a 29-15 French finish at Avicii Arena turned a tight contest into France’s sixth win in seven Group L games.
Sweden set the tone in the opening period, 24-20, and the sides were tied at 38 at halftime. France narrowed the gap before the final frame, which began at 55-54, then found the consistency it had lacked across the first three quarters. The visitors scored 29 points in the closing ten minutes and held Sweden to 15, finally creating a decisive separation.
Victor Wembanyama was France’s most efficient focal point, producing 18 points and 8 rebounds on 6-for-7 shooting. Matthew Strazel added 13 points and 6 assists, while Maxime Raynaud matched him with 13 points on 6-for-7 from the field. That shared production was reflected in France’s 19 assists, compared with Sweden’s 11.
The possession battle also tilted strongly towards France. The visitors committed six turnovers to Sweden’s 13 and recorded nine steals, eight more than their opponent. France made 31 field goals from 68 attempts, finding more volume than Sweden, who finished 22-for-53. Pelle Larsson carried the home side with 23 points; Ludde Hakanson had 16, and Victor Gaddefors added 9 points and 10 rebounds.
The result keeps France first in Group L at 6-1 with 13 points. Sweden sit fourth at 4-3 and 11 points, level on points with second-placed Finland and third-placed Hungary. France retain room at the top of the group, while Sweden must protect its position in the race for qualification places.
