54th WMC Basketball - Summary News

BOURGES (FRA) – The 54th CISM Military World Basketball Championship concluded in Bourges, France, after eight days of high-level competition that brought together 228 military athletes from 13 nations, with Lithuania claiming the men’s world title, Brazil winning the women’s championship and host nation France earning an impressive double silver.

Hosted by the French Armed Forces through the Military Sports Academy (AMSD) and Air Base 702 Avord from 27 June to 5 July 2026, the championship featured 12 men’s teams and seven women’s teams competing at the Palais des Sports du Prado and the CREPS Centre-Val de Loire.

The event officially opened with a colourful ceremony attended by athletes, officials, military representatives and local authorities. Official CISM Representative and CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim welcomed the participating delegations alongside French Commissioner for Military Sports General Cyrille Becker and Deputy Mayor for Sport of the City of Bourges Guillaume Crépin.

In his address, Colonel Nilton Rolim highlighted the unique role of military sport in bringing servicemen and servicewomen together through teamwork, mutual respect and friendship, encouraging all participants to compete with determination, integrity and fair play.

The group stage immediately produced several strong performances. In the women’s competition, France and Germany dominated Group A, while Brazil secured first place in Group B following convincing victories over the United States and the Netherlands.

In the men’s tournament, France emerged on top of Group A, Brazil led Group B, while Greece and Lithuania established themselves among the leading contenders in Groups C and D respectively. The qualification phase set the stage for a highly competitive knockout tournament featuring several close and memorable encounters.

The championship reached another level during the semi-finals. In the men’s competition, France defeated Greece 107-104 in one of the most exciting matches of the tournament, while Lithuania overcame Latvia 90-65 to secure its place in the final.

France also qualified for the women’s final following a 77-67 victory over the United States. Brazil confirmed its status as one of the tournament favourites with an emphatic 120-56 win against Germany in the second semi-final.

The medal games provided a fitting conclusion to an outstanding week of military basketball. The United States claimed the women’s bronze medal after defeating Germany 100-63, while Latvia secured third place in the men’s tournament with a 94-86 victory over Greece.

The men’s final brought together unbeaten France and Lithuania before a passionate home crowd. France remained competitive throughout the game, but Lithuania’s defensive discipline, experience and efficiency in the decisive moments secured an 87-79 victory and the title of 54th CISM Military World Champion.

In the women’s final, Brazil’s athleticism, experience and offensive strength proved decisive against the host nation. The South Americans earned a 98-74 victory to capture the world title, while France completed a remarkable championship by winning its second silver medal.

France’s achievement of reaching both finals represented one of the major highlights of the event and demonstrated the strength of French military basketball. The performances of the host teams also generated tremendous enthusiasm among the local supporters throughout the championship.

The event concluded with a dignified Closing Ceremony celebrating the medal winners and the spirit of camaraderie demonstrated by all participating delegations. The prestigious CISM Friendship through Sport Award was presented to Canada in recognition of its exemplary sportsmanship, fair play and contribution to the positive atmosphere of the championship.

In keeping with CISM tradition, the CISM flag was formally transferred from France to the United States. The French delegation presented the flag to Colonel Nilton Rolim, who then handed it to the United States delegation, symbolically passing responsibility to the host of the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games – Charlotte 2027, where basketball will once again feature among the major sports.

During the Closing Ceremony, Colonel Nilton Rolim congratulated Lithuania and Brazil on their world titles and praised France for reaching both finals. He also thanked the French Armed Forces, the Local Organizing Committee, officials, volunteers and partners for delivering a successful championship that reflected the highest standards of military sport.

The 54th CISM Military World Basketball Championship once again demonstrated the power of sport to bring together Armed Forces from around the world in a spirit of friendship, respect and solidarity.

CISM warmly congratulates Lithuania and Brazil on their world titles, commends France for its two silver medals and thanks all participating athletes, coaches, officials and organizers for contributing to the success of Bourges 2026.

Attention now turns to Charlotte, United States, where many of the athletes who distinguished themselves in Bourges are expected to reunite during the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games from 25 June to 4 July 2027.

Basketball fans around the world can relive every game through the official championship livestream channels:

AMSD Guynemer: https://www.youtube.com/@amsd_guynemer
OP AMSD: https://www.youtube.com/@JOPAMSD

As an Official CISM Partner, Sofascore provided comprehensive live coverage throughout the championship, including schedules, live scores, detailed statistics, standings and final results.