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The German women’s basketball team has secured a historic spot in the semi-finals of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, setting up a high-stakes clash against France at the Uber Arena in Berlin, according to international sports reports. Playing on home soil, the German squad advanced following a hard-fought 93-74 victory over Belgium, while France booked its place in the final four with a dominant 90-61 win against China.
Berlin Crowd Set to Fuel the German Squad
The host nation enters Saturday’s 4:30 PM local time (UTC+2) semi-final matchup carrying considerable momentum after overcoming an opening-game loss to Spain. According to tournament coverage, the passionate home crowd in Berlin has acted as a driving force for head coach Olaf Lange’s roster, creating an intense atmosphere that propelled the team past the reigning double European champions, Belgium.
German reserve point guard Alexis Peterson emphasized the impact of the supporters following the quarter-final victory. As reported by sports outlets covering the tournament, Peterson noted that the team feeds off the constant backing from fans who gather outside hotels and fill the arena. With a trip to the World Cup final on the line, the German players acknowledge the magnitude of the upcoming battle against a deep and talented French side.
France Reaches the Final Four with Depth and Defense
France advanced to the semi-finals after dispatching China 90-61, relying on aggressive tempo and superior bench depth. Guard Gabby Williams anchored the performance with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two interceptions, avenging a previous quarter-final loss from the 2022 World Cup in Sydney. The victory highlights a strong tournament run for the French team, which previously faced Germany in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Olympic Games, where Les Bleues claimed an 84-71 win.
Saturday’s meeting marks another chapter in the growing rivalry between the two European nations. While France boasts extensive tournament experience and significant roster depth, the German side features standout contributors such as Leonie Fiebich—who scored 13 points in the first half against Belgium—alongside interior presence from Frieda Buhner and Marie Guelich.
Familiar Faces Meet on the Global Stage
The semi-final also features a familiar matchup on the floor between former club teammates. Peterson and French guard Leïla Lacan, who previously crossed paths during their time in Angers, will find themselves on opposing sides of the court. Peterson praised Lacan’s development, noting that her rise to prominence comes as no surprise given her early talent. However, the German floor general stressed that sentimentality will be left aside once the game tips off.
In the other bracket of the tournament, the United States advanced by defeating Hungary 108-56 behind 19 points and six rebounds from Napheesa Collier. The defending champions will face either Australia or Spain in their respective semi-final fixture scheduled for 8:00 PM local time on Saturday.
Match Details and Schedule
The semi-final fixture between France and Germany is scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 PM local time (14:30 UTC) at the Uber Arena in Berlin. Fans can follow official tournament updates and broadcast details through FIBA’s official channels and regional sports networks.
