France Women's Basketball Team Advances to World Cup Semi-Finals for the First Time

The France women's basketball team has made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 Women's Basketball World Cup for the first time ever. In a commanding quarter-final match in Berlin, the French team defeated China with a decisive score of 90-61, overturning their previous quarter-final exits and a loss to China in 2022.

The match saw France, the reigning Olympic silver medalist, dominate notably in the second quarter, outscoring China 25-20 and leading 48-31 at halftime. Key performances included Gabby Williams, who led the team with 14 points, and Marine Johannès, contributing 15 points and seven assists off the bench, underscoring the team’s depth and skill. Despite a slight decline in three-point shooting accuracy towards the end, France successfully converted 14 of 37 attempts from beyond the arc.

Prior to the quarter-finals, France had an impeccable group stage record, winning all their matches against Hungary (99-53), South Korea (95-69), and Nigeria (111-56), showcasing consistent dominance throughout the tournament.

France’s semi-final opponent is set to be Germany, following their scheduled match against Belgium. The pivotal semi-final will take place on Saturday, September 12, at 16:30, and will be broadcast live on TMC and beIN SPORTS 1 via Canal+.

This historic progression marks only the second time France has reached the top four of the Women's Basketball World Cup, the first being in 1953. The achievement highlights the significant advancements and growing strength of French women's basketball on the world stage.