France dismantled host nation Germany 86-64 in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup semifinal at Berlin Arena on Saturday, booking their place in the programme's first-ever final and securing the country's first medal at the tournament in 73 years.
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams was the driving force behind a dominant French display, pouring in 22 points to go with five rebounds, five assists and four steals for a performance efficiency valuation of 31. The display earned her TCL Player of the Game honours and moved her to 187 career Women's World Cup points, surpassing FIBA Hall of Famer Celine Dumerc to become France's third all-time leading scorer in the competition.
France controlled the contest from the opening tip. Germany managed the game's only lead — a fleeting advantage that lasted just eleven seconds — before the visitors seized control and steadily pulled away across all four quarters. By halftime France had established a comfortable cushion, and a third quarter in which they further extended the gap effectively ended the contest as a competition.
Williams received ample support from her teammates. Janelle Salaun delivered a commanding double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Marine Johannes contributed 13 points and Valeriane Ayayi added 10 as four French players reached double figures. The collective offensive effort was complemented by a stifling defensive performance that limited Germany's shooting efficiency and forced turnovers at crucial moments.
For Germany, the defeat brings an impressive tournament run to an end. The hosts, making only their second Women's World Cup appearance, had upset Belgium in the quarterfinals to reach this stage and rode the energy of a passionate home crowd throughout the competition. But against a French side clicking on all cylinders, they were unable to keep pace.
France will face the United States in Sunday's gold medal game after the four-time defending champions defeated Spain 76-66 in the other semifinal. The Americans remain overwhelming favourites, but France's blend of experience, depth and Williams' individual brilliance gives them a legitimate shot at the programme's first world title.
For a French basketball programme that has waited more than seven decades for a return to the podium, Saturday's result represents a watershed moment — regardless of what happens in the final.
Sources
- https://sportando.basketball/en/france-one-win-away-from-historic-world-cup-title/
- https://sportstar.thehindu.com/basketball/fiba-womens-world-cup-2026-france-tops-germany-reach-final/article71461160.ece
- https://basketnews.com/news-255357-france-wins-their-first-medal-at-womens-world-cup-after-a-73-year-drought.html
