BERLIN (Germany) - A red-hot France and fairytale seeking Germany both head into the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 looking to write a beautiful new basketball chapter.
After six World Cup Quarter-Final defeats, a relieved France made it seventh time lucky as they soared past China to make the last four of the competition for the first time since the inaugural edition in 1953.
As for Germany, they are part of a potential Cinderella story right now. With a maiden Quarter-Finals place now replaced by this landmark Semi-Finals ticket, what was already the greatest night ever for German women's basketball might still be surpassed.
Both teams will fight it out for a place in Sunday's showpiece Final. Click here for the full schedule.
Key Matchup
Leonie Fiebich has been the difference-maker for Germany all over the court. Even when she has not been scoring in the earlier games, she did it all in other facets of the game. Controlling tempo, passing the ball, rebounding and playing top defense. Against Belgium she found her shooting touch and remains Germany's marquee baller.
It could fall to the similarly, if not even more impressive Gabby Williams to neutralize the threat posed by Fiebich and her huge influence on the hosts. A defensive colossus and also playing some of the best basketball of her national team career at the other end of the floor, this is a battle between two standout leaders of their teams.
Stats Don't Lie
France are absolutely killing it offensively right now - both inside and outside. They are averaging a spectacular 61.4 percent from 2-point range and on fire from downtown too. They are converting 45.7 percent of shots from behind the arc compared to 27.6 for their opponents.
Germany have a real positive in terms of taking good care of the ball - a big fundamental in their amazing turnaround in fortunes. They spill it only 9.8 times per game and also out-rebound France by 46.2 compared to 39.5 per game.
The Killer Questions
While the bast majority of the stats point to a France win, there is no doubt that Germany won't care about this. They have upset Belgium and the big question is if they can use the energy of the crowd, their hugely impressive defense and well managed rotations to cause a major upset?
As for France - will their far superior depth and options off the bench allow them to maintain the relentless intensity at both ends of the floor that are making them tough to live with? It will also help hugely if they can continue making it rain from outside.
Recent Game History
This is a repeat of the Quarter-Finals two years ago at Paris 2024 when France claimed an 84-71 victory behind a headline 24 points from Marine Johannes. Of course this time, it will be Germany that has the vast majority of the crowd on their side.
FIBA