France Crushes China to Reach First Women’s World Cup Semifinal in 73 Years
Marine Johannès and Gabby Williams powered France past China 90-61 in Berlin, sending Les Bleues into the World Cup semifinals for the first time since their bronze-medal run in 1953.
France’s remarkable run at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup has reached historic territory.
Les Bleues defeated China 90-61 on Thursday in Berlin, booking a place in the semifinals and ending a 73-year wait to return to the final four of the competition. France’s only previous World Cup semifinal appearance came at the inaugural women’s tournament in 1953, when the team ultimately won bronze.
The result also reinforced what has become increasingly difficult to ignore during this tournament: France looks capable of challenging anyone in Berlin.
Marine Johannès led France with 15 points and seven assists, while Gabby Williams added 14 points and seven rebounds. China remained competitive early and held a 20-18 advantage after the opening quarter, but France gradually took control before breaking the game open after halftime.
By the fourth quarter, the contest had turned into another statement performance from a French team that has been one of the most impressive sides of the tournament.