France U17 vs China U17

France's blistering start to the second half. After taking a comfortable lead into the break, France opened the third quarter with a decisive run that pushed the margin past 25 points. The French offence flowed through Soliman and point guard Sohan Boungo (4 assists per game tournament average), who dictated tempo and found cutters against a Chinese defence that had no answer inside. China, who shot just 25% from three-point range as a tournament average, could not keep pace.

Nathan Soliman (France) — The forward was the best player on the floor, leading France in both scoring and efficiency. The FIBA team stats page lists him as France's leader in efficiency (26.0), points (18.0), rebounds (7.0), blocks (2.0) and steals (2.0) per game through the tournament, and he delivered a high-scoring performance in this win.

Messi Yangala (France) — The forward provided a strong secondary scoring punch, complementing Soliman with efficient drives and timely baskets. He averaged 14 points per game in the tournament and was a physical presence on both ends.

Amadou Fall (France) — The backup guard gave France valuable minutes off the bench, averaging 16 points per game on tournament averages. His energy in the second quarter helped stretch the lead before halftime.

The FIBA tournament averages entering this game told the story of where China needed to excel — and where they fell short. France's 60.4% two-point shooting dwarfed China's 49.2%, a gap that was magnified as France consistently got to the rim. China's three-point shooting (25%) could not keep them in the game when the deficit grew. France also controlled the pace through their guard play, with 21 assists per game to China's 20.3, reflecting superior ball movement.

The rebound battle was expected to be close (France 38.7 per game, China 42.7), but France's physicality gave them an edge on the offensive glass that created extra possessions.

France advance to the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. For China, the tournament ends in the Round of 16 after a campaign that showed flashes — notably the opening win over Cameroon — but ultimately fell short against higher-ranked opposition.

Tony Parker's squad will now await the winner of the Italy vs Canada Round of 16 tie, which tips off later on 1 July. France's form trajectory is clearly upward after the opening loss to USA (115-84) was followed by improved team performances.

France were simply too big, too physical and too well-coached for a China side that competed hard but lacked the firepower to stay close. Soliman looks every bit a future star, and Parker's tactical imprint — ball movement, inside dominance, disciplined defence — was visible throughout. This was a statement win from a team that believes it can medal in Istanbul.