Find the main sports news of March 19, 2026. From Lou Jeanmonnot’s first victory to Moïse Kouame’s first Masters 1000 win, to Talant Dujshebaev’s successful debut with the French handball team. Not to mention the eliminations of Lyon and Lille in the Europa League and Strasbourg’s qualification in the Conference League.
Biathlon – Jeanmonnot at the top
It’s official: Lou Jeanmonnot became the fifth Frenchwoman to inscribe her name in the biathlon World Cup record books on Thursday in Oslo, clinching her first crystal globe by finishing sixth in the sprint, and comfortably beating her final rival, Finnish Suvi Minkkinen. “I’m really happy to complete the loop. I didn’t want to fall into the ‘it will come naturally’ trap because you have to fight,” she later reacted, overjoyed.
Football – Strasbourg the only survivor
Two days after PSG’s qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals, French clubs competing in the Europa League were all eliminated. A week after their draw in Vigo (1-1), Lyon was defeated by Celta (0-2), while Lille, who had already lost to Aston Villa at home (0-1), succumbed 2-0 at Villa Park. Fortunately, in the Conference League, Strasbourg, who had won 2-1 in Rijeka, drew against the Croats at the Meinau (1-1) and will face Mainz for a spot in the semifinals.
Tennis – The sensation Kouame
13 days after his 17th birthday, Moïse Kouame impressed in Miami on Thursday. Beating American Zachary Svajda (96th) in three sets and nearly 2 hours and 20 minutes of play (5-7, 6-4, 6-4), the 385th ranked player became the youngest winner of a match in a Masters 1000 since a certain Rafael Nadal in 2003. Facing Jiri Lehecka on Friday, the young prodigy from Paris will be confident and will try to achieve the feat, with the support of his idol Novak Djokovic.
Handball – Dujshebaev’s successful debut
New French team coach Talant Dujshebaev, appointed after the disappointment of a European championship finishing in 7th place, started with a victory on the French bench. Facing Spain, the country he obtained citizenship in 1995, in Le Mans, he saw his team win 29-26 while also making significant changes in the lineup. Second test on Sunday in Ciudad Real, still facing the Spanish team.
Basketball – Wembanyama at the buzzer
The Spurs fought against Phoenix on Thursday night in San Antonio. The Texans found salvation only through a buzzer-beater from Victor Wembanyama, giving his team a last-second victory to overturn Phoenix and win 101-100. A win that qualifies the Spurs for the playoffs for the first time in six years. The French star ended with 34 points and 12 rebounds.
