Women’s Basketball World Cup: Former Storm All-Star leads France to final

Gabby Williams poured in 22 points to help the French knock off host Germany.

BY CIARáN FAHEY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sep 12, 2026, 10:34 AM Updated: 1:47 pm

France's Gabby Williams scores on a layup against Germany on Saturday during the Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

(AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

BERLIN (AP) — Former Seattle Storm All-Star Gabby Williams led France to the final of the women’s FIBA World Cup with an 86-64 win over host Germany on Saturday.

France 86, Germany 64: Box Score

Willams scored 22 points and had five rebounds to put France in touching distance of the title after a dogged performance from the host, which refused to give up in front of a partisan crowd at Berlin Arena.

“A tricky game,” France coach Jean Aime Toupane said.

Janelle Salaün had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Marine Johannès, who contributed three 3-pointers among her 13 points, slowed the game down in the final quarter.

“It was really a fight tonight, I think we were ready for that,” Johannès said.

Storm center Dominique Malonga added six points – all on free throws – and four rebounds for the French.

It was the first semifinal appearance for both teams since the stage was introduced in 1986.

France the United States, the four-time defending champion and tournament favorite, in Sunday’s final.

There was an air of nervous anticipation around the arena before tip-off as Germany, already further than ever before in its second tournament appearance, would need another major upset to make the final.

Germany coach Olaf Lange spoke of “ German basketball’s best day ” after the quarterfinal win over European champion Belgium.

France scored more than 90 points in each of its four games, while Germany managed that in its last two after recovering impressively since losing its opening game to Spain by 30 points.

The Seattle Sports staff made addition to this story.

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