The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today has officially announced the host nations for the upcoming Basketball World Cups in 2030 and 2031.

Japan will stage the women’s edition in 2030, while France has been chosen to host the men’s tournament in 2031, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of the sport.

The decision to award France the men’s World Cup in 2031 signals the return of the premier basketball event to European soil after a 17-year absence. The last time the continent hosted the men’s competition was in Spain in 2014, a tournament remembered for its passionate crowds and high-level play.

RELATED: 2026 FIFA World Cup is Safe in Mexico: Sheinbaum

According to FIBA‘s Central Board, the 2031 event will run from August 29 to September 14. The group stage and early knockout rounds will be distributed between Lille and Lyon, two cities with strong sporting traditions. Paris, however, has been confirmed as the exclusive venue for the final phase, where the new world champion will be crowned.

This choice reflects France’s growing influence in international basketball. The country has produced elite talent in recent years, including NBA stars who have elevated the nation’s profile on the global stage. Hosting the World Cup is expected to further boost basketball’s popularity in France, while also reinforcing Europe’s role in shaping the future of the sport.

Japan Hosts Women’s Cup

On the women’s side, FIBA has entrusted Japan with the responsibility of organizing the 2030 World Cup. Scheduled from November 26 to December 8, the tournament will be centered in Tokyo, a city renowned for its ability to host large-scale international events.

This announcement is particularly meaningful for Asia, as the women’s World Cup has not been held in the region since 2002, when China played host. The return to Asia underscores the continent’s rising prominence in women’s basketball, with Japan leading the way thanks to its strong performances in recent Olympic cycles.

The Japanese women’s team has demonstrated remarkable progress, earning respect on the global stage with its disciplined style of play and technical excellence. By hosting the World Cup, Japan aims to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans, while also showcasing its advanced infrastructure and organizational capacity.

A Strategic Expansion

FIBA’s dual announcement highlights its strategy of balancing tradition with innovation. By selecting France and Japan, the federation ensures that both Europe and Asia remain central to basketball’s growth. These choices also reflect the importance of spreading the sport’s biggest events across different continents, fostering inclusivity and global engagement.

Before these tournaments, the basketball calendar will feature the 2026 Women’s World Cup in Berlin, where teams such as Germany, Mali, Spain, and Japan are preparing to compete. That event will serve as a precursor to the ambitious plans for 2030 and 2031, reinforcing FIBA’s commitment to elevating both the men’s and women’s games.

With France and Japan now confirmed as hosts, anticipation begins to build for two landmark events that promise to celebrate basketball’s global reach and competitive spirit.

IN THIS ARTICLE