After three years stuck in Division IA, and just three months removed from a disappointing last place finish at the Milan Olympics, France clinched their spot at the 2027 Women’s World Championship in Québec, Canada, after a 3-1 defeat of Slovakia locked them into promotion at the Division IA Championship in Budapest, Hungary.

Entering the final day of competition with France, Slovakia and Hungary all eligible to top the group and gain promotion, it was the midday showdown between Les Bleus and Slovakia that had the largest impact. Despite being outshot 27-16, goaltender Alice Philbert stood tall for France with 26 saves, while tallies from Clara Rozier, Gabrielle de Serres and an empty-netter from Chloé Aurard punched France’s return ticket to the Top Division.

France will join the 2027 Top Division in Québec City, Québec, to take the place of the last place team at November’s Top Division tournament in Denmark (ironically, also host of the Top Division the last time France was promoted in 2023), looking to stay in the Top Division for consecutive seasons for the first time in the World Championships since their tournament debut in 1999.

Photo Credit: FFHG – IIHF – HHOF – IOC