The French women’s basketball team will face Germany in the semifinals of the Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 on Saturday at 4:30 PM in Berlin. This match is a crucial step toward the final, and the French team has been in dominant form throughout the tournament, winning all of its first four matches. Their most recent victory was a decisive 90-61 win over China in the quarterfinals, showcasing their strong offensive play and defensive pressure. France holds a perfect 11-0 record against Germany in direct encounters, which adds to their confidence heading into this semifinal. The French starting lineup features key players such as Leila Lacan, Janelle Salaün, Gabby Williams, Valeriane Ayayi, and Marieme Badiane. Supporting them from the bench is Marine Johannès, often referred to as the "6th woman" due to her significant impact when entering the game. At 31 years old, Johannès has been a standout performer, averaging 16.5 points in just 20 minutes of play. She has expressed confidence in her role and the team’s ability to maintain their strong performance. Germany, the host nation, has also made an impressive run in the tournament, defeating Belgium 93-74 in their last match. The German team has surprised many with its cohesion and determination, fueled by the home advantage and the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage. Julie Barennes, a French assistant coach who is now working with Germany, highlighted the team’s unity and the drive of the current generation of German players, who are mostly aged 25 to 27 and eager to prove themselves internationally. The French team is heavily favored to win the semifinal, having displayed a high level of intensity and scoring throughout the tournament. Their average margin of victory has been +39 points, and they have averaged 98.8 points per game. Their three-point shooting percentage of 45.7% has been a key factor in their success, and if they can maintain this performance, they are expected to continue their winning streak. The Berlin arena is expected to be sold out, with around 14,000 fans ready to support the home team in what promises to be an exciting and competitive match.