Overview

• The 21st edition runs in the Philippines from September 12 to 28 and features a first‑ever field of 32 teams.
• France’s group slate is South Korea on September 14, Finland on September 16 and Argentina on September 18 (French time).
• Veterans Benjamin Toniutti, Jenia Grebennikov, Nicolas Le Goff and Earvin Ngapeth are in the squad, with Ngapeth returning from a summer knee tendinopathy after successful prep that included two friendly wins over Brazil in Okinawa.
• The format advances the top two from eight pools to the round of 16, with brackets that can pit groupmates again by the quarterfinals and a crossover likely bringing defending champion Italy from Group F onto France’s side early.
• All France matches air live on La chaîne l’Équipe in France, with full tournament coverage available on VBTV.