Serbia and France to face off in basketball friendly matches

The Serbian men's national basketball team is set to play two friendly matches against France as preparation for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers against Iceland and Italy. The first matchup will take place at the Belgrade Arena on August 20, followed by a second game in Orleans.

These games are highlighted by a potential matchup between NBA superstars Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama. Former French coach Vincent Collet noted the contrast between the two, describing Wembanyama as the world's best defender due to his size and mobility, while identifying Jokić as the premier offensive player.

Serbian coach Dušan Alimpijević emphasized that while the games against France are a spectacle, the primary focus remains on testing a new roster and integrating players ahead of the upcoming qualification window. The Serbian team has recently undergone comprehensive medical and functional testing to ensure physical readiness for these high-intensity matchups.