US and France Advance to Women’s World Cup Semi-Finals on Collision Course

The United States and France are on course for a potential rematch of the 2024 Olympic women’s basketball final after both nations powered through their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup quarter-finals.

France Break Through

1. France reached the semi-finals for the first time by overwhelming China 90-61 in Berlin. Janelle Salaun and Marine Johannes led the way with 15 points apiece, while captain Gabby Williams added 14.
2. The result also gave France an opportunity to win its first World Cup medal since the competition’s inaugural edition in 1953, when the team placed third in the final round.

“This team wants to write a new story, and that is the most important thing,” France head coach Jean Aime Toupane said.

France arrived at the tournament determined to go further after the United States edged it by a single point in the Olympic final in Paris two years ago.

Salaun said the squad’s strong understanding, built over several seasons together, had helped create its belief.

“We are fortunate to have been together for a few years,” she said. “We have shared so much, including the Olympics and training camps. We understand one another, we know what we want, and we have a target we are ready to pursue with everything we have.”

United States Set the Standard

1. The defending champions moved into the last four earlier in the day with a 108-56 victory over Hungary, led by Napheesa Collier’s 19 points.
2. The Americans’ total of 108 points and their 31 assists both established World Cup quarter-final records.

U.S. coach Kara Lawson described the display as one of her side’s most complete performances at the tournament and highlighted the work done defensively.

She was equally pleased with the way her players moved the ball in attack, saying coaches enjoy seeing the team share possession at such a high standard.

Lawson also praised France’s campaign, calling it an outstanding World Cup so far and acknowledging that the European side had given plenty of observers reason to believe it could go all the way.

Semi-final Path

The United States will meet either Spain or Australia in the semi-finals. France will face the winner of the quarter-final between Belgium and Germany.

One more victory for each Olympic finalist would set up a repeat of the 2024 gold-medal showdown.