FRANCE BREAK NEW GROUND WITH FIRST-EVER WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINAL APPEARANCE

France have reached the final of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup for the first time after defeating hosts Germany 86-64 in their semi-final clash in Berlin. The French side maintained their unbeaten run at the tournament and produced a strong second-half performance to pull away from Germany and secure a historic place in Sunday’s championship game.

Gabby Williams was the standout performer for France, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. The American-born French star played a major role on both ends of the court as France overcame a determined German side that received strong support from the home crowd. Her all-round performance helped France remain in control as the game progressed.

Germany had competed strongly in the opening stages and refused to surrender despite falling behind, but France gradually increased the pressure and created a clear gap in the second half. The French team used its attacking quality and defensive intensity to limit Germany's chances, eventually turning the contest into a comfortable victory and ending the hosts' hopes of reaching the final on home soil.

The result represents a major achievement for French women's basketball, with the team now guaranteed at least a silver medal. France had previously reached the semi-finals of the World Cup but had never advanced to the championship game. Their victory also keeps alive their hopes of claiming a first-ever world title after finishing as runners-up at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

France will face defending champions the United States in the final after the Americans defeated Spain 76-66 in the other semi-final. The matchup will be a repeat of the 2024 Olympic final, when the United States edged France 67-66 in Paris. This time, France will have another opportunity to challenge the dominant American side and compete for their first Women's Basketball World Cup gold medal.