Home PageNewsJuly 2026 - 07/2026Lithuania and Brazil crowned champions as France claims double silver at the 54th CISM Military World Basketball Championship
Back to list

Lithuania and Brazil crowned champions as France claims double silver at the 54th CISM Military World Basketball Championship

 

 

BOURGES (FRA) – The 54th CISM Military World Basketball Championship came to a spectacular conclusion on Saturday after eight days of outstanding competition in Bourges, France. Featuring 228 military athletes from 13 nations, the championship showcased elite military basketball, unforgettable moments and the values of Friendship through Sport, culminating with Lithuania lifting the men's trophy and Brazil being crowned women's champions. Host nation France delighted its home supporters by reaching both finals, earning two well-deserved silver medals.

 

Friday's programme featured the semi-finals and the final classification matches, with every team continuing to compete for the highest possible final ranking.

 

 

The men's classification games saw Brazil respond impressively to its dramatic quarter-final elimination by defeating Canada 97-49 to secure 5th place overall. Despite narrowly missing out on the medal rounds, the South Americans demonstrated their quality throughout the tournament and concluded their campaign with authority. Cyprus also ended its championship on a high note, overcoming Germany 86-79 to finish 7th.

 

In the women's classification match, the Netherlands defeated Latvia 72-55 to claim 5th place, completing a positive tournament after showing continuous improvement during the group stage.

 

Attention then shifted to the eagerly anticipated semi-finals, where the intensity reached another level. The first men's semi-final between hosts France and Greece proved to be one of the finest matches of the championship. In front of a packed Palais des Sports du Prado, two unbeaten teams produced a spectacular offensive display featuring fast-paced transitions, outstanding shooting and numerous lead changes. Roared on by the home crowd, France showed remarkable composure in the closing moments to edge Greece 107-104, booking a place in the final after one of the tournament's most memorable encounters.

 

 

The second semi-final saw Lithuania continue its unbeaten run. The Baltic side imposed its disciplined style of play against neighbouring Latvia, combining defensive solidity with clinical execution in attack to secure a convincing 90-65 victory and another appearance in a CISM world final.

 

The women's semi-finals also produced high-quality basketball. France maintained its perfect record by defeating the United States 77-67, extending its unbeaten run and qualifying for the gold medal game in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. In the other semi-final, Brazil delivered one of the tournament's most dominant performances, overwhelming Germany 120-56 with an explosive offensive display that confirmed the South Americans as favourites for the title.

 

 

Saturday's finals day brought together the championship's best teams in a fitting conclusion to an exceptional week of military basketball. The day began with the bronze medal games. In the women's competition, the United States claimed third place with a convincing 100-63 victory over Germany, while the men's bronze medal went to Latvia, which defeated Greece 94-86 to complete another impressive international campaign.

 

The men's final brought together two unbeaten teams as hosts France faced Lithuania before a passionate home crowd. France fought courageously throughout the contest, matching the Lithuanians for long periods and remaining within striking distance until the closing stages. However, Lithuania's experience, defensive discipline and efficiency in the decisive moments ultimately secured an 87-79 victory, crowning the Baltic nation 54th CISM Military World Champion. France nevertheless completed a magnificent tournament, earning the silver medal after an outstanding campaign on home soil.

 

 

The women's final offered another showcase of elite military basketball as unbeaten France met unbeaten Brazil. The French team once again displayed determination, resilience and excellent teamwork, but Brazil's experience, athleticism and offensive firepower proved decisive. The South Americans secured a 98-74 victory to capture the world title, while France celebrated a superb silver medal, marking a historic achievement for the host nation by reaching both championship finals.

 

 

The championship concluded with a colourful and dignified Closing Ceremony, celebrating not only the medal winners but also the commitment and sportsmanship displayed by every participating delegation throughout the week. A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the prestigious CISM Friendship through Sport Award, which was awarded to Canada in recognition of the delegation's exemplary sportsmanship, fair play and contribution to the spirit of camaraderie that defines CISM competitions.

 

 

In keeping with CISM tradition, the CISM Flag was then formally transferred to the next host of a major CISM basketball competition. The flag was handed over by the French delegation to Official CISM Representative and CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, who in turn presented it to the United States delegation, symbolically passing the responsibility to the hosts of the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games – Charlotte 2027, where basketball will once again feature among the flagship sports.

 

During the ceremony, Official CISM Representative and CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho congratulated all athletes for the outstanding level of competition and exemplary fair play demonstrated during the championship. He paid tribute to the French Armed Forces, the Local Organizing Committee, volunteers, officials and partners for delivering an impeccably organized event that reflected the highest standards of military sport.

 

 

Colonel Nilton Rolim also praised the remarkable performance of the host nation, highlighting France's achievement of reaching both the men's and women's finals, a testament to the strength of French military basketball and a source of pride for the enthusiastic home supporters. He concluded by thanking every participating nation for embodying the CISM motto "Friendship through Sport" before officially declaring the championship closed.

 

As the curtain falls on another outstanding CISM World Championship, attention now turns to the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games, which will take place in Charlotte, United States, from 25 June to 4 July 2027. Basketball will once again feature among the flagship disciplines, where many of the athletes who shone in Bourges are expected to compete on military sport's biggest stage.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

CISM warmly congratulates Lithuania and Brazil on their world titles, commends France for an exceptional championship highlighted by two silver medals on home soil, and thanks every athlete, coach, official, volunteer and member of the Local Organizing Committee for making the 54th CISM Military World Basketball Championship a resounding success. See you in Charlotte 2027!

 

More information on: https://www.terre.defense.gouv.fr/championnats-du-monde-militaires/championnats-du-monde-militaires/54e-championnat-du-monde-militaire-basketball

 

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Académie militaire des sports de la Défense (AMSD))

SEARCH CISM