Berlin : France qualified for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final for the first time after a dominant 86–64 win over hosts Germany in Berlin.
Germany, appearing in its first ever World Cup semi-final came out firing in front of a sell-out crowd of 12,650, France’s superior depth and physicality made the difference late on, as they pulled clear to end Germany’s historic World Cup campaign.
Gabby Williams led the way for France with 22 points and 5 rebounds, scoring a crucial basket with the clock winding down. Marine Johannes and Janelle Salaün also chipped in as France drew level late on before pulling clear to set up a final against their cross-channel rivals. Valériane Ayayi scored 10 points, 2 Rebounds and 3 assists. The whole French team performed really well and was super balanced.
Germany’s best chance to win the game came with 39 seconds remaining but they failed to score in the decisive period, with France’s bench making the difference as they secured the win.
Nyara Sabally and Marie Gülich scored 12 points apiece for Germany. Despite the defeat, the hosts have enjoyed a landmark tournament, reaching their first-ever World Cup semi-final and earning the chance to compete for a medal in the third-place game.
For France, the victory ends a long wait for a place in the world final. The two-time European champions and 2024 Olympic silver medallists will now compete for their first World Cup title, having previously won bronze in 1953. Germany will look to finish its home campaign with a win in the bronze-medal game.
France are now one step away from winning the tournament, with their hopes of claiming the title now firmly focused on the final against Germany.
