FIBA Women’s World Cup: France tops host Germany to lock final against US or Spain

Gabby Williams (right) finished with 22 points and five rebounds, leading a resilient French side that held off a determined German team. | Photo Credit: AFP

Gabby Williams powered France into the Women’s FIBA World Cup final with an 86–64 semifinal victory over host nation Germany in Berlin on Saturday.

Williams finished with 22 points and five rebounds, leading a resilient French side that held off a determined German team playing in front of a lively home crowd at Berlin Arena. The win puts France one step away from the title, setting up Sunday’s final against either Spain or the United States, the four-time defending champions and tournament favorites.

This marked the first time both France and Germany had reached the semifinal stage since it was introduced in 1986, underlining the breakthrough nature of the tournament for both programs.

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There was palpable nervous energy in the arena before tip-off, with Germany already enjoying its deepest run in only its second World Cup appearance and needing another major upset to advance. After its quarterfinal triumph over European champions Belgium, Germany coach Olaf Lange described the moment as “German basketball’s best day”.

France had been prolific on offense, scoring more than 90 points in each of its four games entering the semifinal. Germany, meanwhile, hit that mark in its last two contests, having recovered strongly after a 30-point opening defeat to Spain.