Lessort named in national team squad

Panathinaikos center Mathias Lessort has been named in the France national team squad for the World Cup qualifiers to be played in November. Head coach Frédéric Fauthoux said he wants the player to wear the France jersey for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics.

France will travel to Estonia on November 27 and host Sweden in Dijon on November 30. Leading Group L with 7 wins and 1 defeat, France have an important opportunity in both matches to secure their place at the 2027 World Cup.

Fauthoux said he hopes Lessort's health condition is favorable. The coach recalled that he worked with the player in the U20 squads and that they share a strong relationship. Fauthoux stressed that seeing the player in the national team is important to him.

Paris Basketball forward Nadir Hifi and Maccabi Tel Aviv player Jaylen Hoard will join Lessort at the camp on November 25. The coaching staff will select 12 players for the trip to Estonia. Fauthoux explained that this time players who play on Tuesday, November 24 were preferred, so the team can arrive on Wednesday, train on Thursday and take the court in Estonia on Friday.

The squad also includes 18-year-old Hugo Yimga-Moukouri, who has made a strong start to the season with Nanterre. The young player received his first senior national team call-up.