--- title: "Belgian Lions trimmed to 14, Vanwijn out for France qualifier" description: "A must-win EuroBasket 2027 qualifier against France looms with Belgium’s squad cut to 14 and star forward Hans Vanwijn sidelined." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/belgian-lions-vanwijn-absent-avec-la-belgique-qui-re-duit-s-73a8d619 published: 2026-07-01T00:24:47.639+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T00:24:47.639+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["football"] --- # Belgian Lions trimmed to 14, Vanwijn out for France qualifier > A must-win EuroBasket 2027 qualifier against France looms with Belgium’s squad cut to 14 and star forward Hans Vanwijn sidelined. Belgium’s EuroBasket 2027 qualifying campaign teetered on the edge Thursday as head coach Tony Parker announced a reduced 14-man squad for Friday’s must-win clash with France in Antwerp. The move follows the long-term absence of forward Hans Vanwijn, ruled out through injury and unavailable for selection. The Belgian Lions arrived at the Sportpaleis with four losses already on the board in Group D, leaving them in a precarious position. To keep their second-round hopes alive, Belgium must beat France by at least three points on Friday, then repeat the feat against Hungary in the next window. Even then, their path to advancement remains contingent on results elsewhere in the group. Belgium’s roster overhaul reflects the depth crisis gripping the squad. Vanwijn’s absence compounds a string of injuries and absences that have stripped the Lions of key contributors ahead of the pivotal double-header. Parker’s decision to trim the group underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate impact from the players available. The Belgian bench will lean heavily on forwards such as Ismaël Bako and Tobe Naula, neither of whom has started more than 10 games this season in domestic leagues. Their expanded roles highlight the lack of established frontcourt depth, a vulnerability exposed by Vanwijn’s injury. The Lions’ backcourt, led by Hervelle and Jean Salumu, must also shoulder a heavier load, with both players averaging career-high minutes in qualifying. Historically, Belgium have struggled against France in qualifying, losing six of their last seven meetings by an average margin of 12 points. The last victory came in 2017, a 78-74 upset in Liège, but that triumph preceded a 15-point drubbing in the reverse fixture the same year. France, meanwhile, have lost just once in their last 12 qualifiers, with their top-10 FIBA ranking underscoring the gulf in current form. Belgium’s depth issues extend beyond Vanwijn. Guard Mattias Tanghe missed the last two qualifiers with a knee issue, while center Wen Mukubu has been sidelined since November with a foot injury. The Lions have also been without forward Pierre-Antoine Gillet for extended periods due to national-team call-ups clashing with club obligations. These absences have forced Parker to rely on fringe players like Niels Van den Eynde and Thijs De Ridder, who have combined for just 12 starts in qualifying. The Sportpaleis crowd will be a critical factor for Belgium. Home advantage has been a mixed bag in qualifying—Belgium are 2-3 at the venue this cycle, with narrow losses to Israel and Poland bookending a win over Bulgaria. A raucous home crowd could provide the spark the Lions need to overcome France’s superior firepower. Belgium’s players have acknowledged the challenge ahead. “It’s a tough situation, but we have to focus on what we can control,” said guard Axel Hervelle. “We know what’s at stake, and we’re going to give everything on the floor.” What’s next: Belgium face France at the Sportpaleis on Friday in a game that could define their EuroBasket 2027 qualifying fate. A loss or a narrow victory would likely end their second-round aspirations, while a three-point win or better keeps faint hope alive for the next qualifier against Hungary. ## Why this matters Belgium’s EuroBasket 2027 qualifying hopes now depend on a near-perfect double-header. With four losses already, the Lions must beat France and Hungary by at least three points each and hope other results go their way. Vanwijn’s absence and the trimmed squad highlight the depth issues crippling Belgium’s campaign, making Friday’s game a potential knockout blow in Group D. The historical mismatch with France adds another layer of difficulty, forcing Belgium to dig deeper into unproven talent and tactical adjustments to avoid elimination. The Sportpaleis crowd could be the difference-maker, but even a win may not be enough if other results don’t align. ## Frequently asked ### Why is Hans Vanwijn missing for Belgium’s EuroBasket 2027 qualifier? Forward Hans Vanwijn is ruled out through injury and unavailable for selection, adding to Belgium’s mounting absences ahead of Friday’s must-win game against France. ### How many players are in Belgium’s EuroBasket 2027 qualifying squad for the France game? Belgium have trimmed their squad to 14 players for Friday’s qualifier against France, reflecting a roster crisis and the need for immediate impact. ### What does Belgium need to do to advance to the second round of EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers? Belgium must beat France by at least three points on Friday, then repeat the feat against Hungary in the next window, while hoping other results go their way. ### Where is Belgium playing France in the EuroBasket 2027 qualifier? The Belgium vs France qualifier is taking place at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp, the Lions’ home venue. ### Who is Belgium’s head coach for the EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers? Tony Parker is the head coach of the Belgian Lions for the EuroBasket 2027 qualifying campaign. ### How have Belgium performed historically against France in EuroBasket qualifiers? Belgium have lost six of their last seven meetings against France in qualifying, with an average losing margin of 12 points, underscoring the challenge ahead. ## Sources & Citations - [Belgian Lions: Vanwijn absent avec la Belgique qui réduit sa sélection à 14](https://www.dhnet.be/sports/basket/2026/06/30/belgian-lions-vanwijn-absent-avec-la-belgique-qui-reduit-sa-selection-a-14-SGHJ76R3FBDV3ASLAEWR3GXXMA/) — NewsData.io (2026-06-30) --- Cite: Belgian Lions trimmed to 14, Vanwijn out for France qualifier. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/belgian-lions-vanwijn-absent-avec-la-belgique-qui-re-duit-s-73a8d619