France enters women’s FIBA World Cup semifinals after defeating China
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 2:14 PM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026
France advanced to the women’s FIBA World Cup semifinals for the first time by defeating China 90-61 in Berlin on Thursday. Marine Johannès and Janelle Salaün each scored 15 points to pace the offense, while Gabby Williams added 14 points in the victory. The French defense effectively neutralized Chinese center Zhang Ziyu, holding her to seven points and limiting her influence throughout the contest. France joins the United States in the final four as the program seeks its first World Cup medal since 1953. The team now prepares to face the winner of the Germany-Belgium quarterfinal matchup. Earlier on Thursday, the United States maintained its tournament momentum by routing Hungary 108-56 to secure its own place in the semifinals.
- •France defeated China 90-61 to reach the FIBA World Cup semifinals.
- •Marine Johannès and Janelle Salaün led France with 15 points apiece.
- •The United States secured a spot in the semifinals by beating Hungary 108-56.
- •France will play the winner of the Germany-Belgium match on Saturday.
- •China's Zhang Ziyu was held to seven points during the quarterfinal loss.
- 2:14 PMYahoo Sports — France beats China 90-61 to join US in women’s FIBA World Cup semifinals
"Marine Johannès and Janelle Salaün led France to the semifinals of the women’s FIBA World Cup for the first time after beating China 90-61 on Thursday, joining the United States among the final four. Both Johannès and Salaün scored 15 points while Gabby Williams contributed 14 as the Olympic finalists put themselves in contention for a first World Cup medal since the inaugural tournament in 1953, when France finished third in the final round. France awaits the Germany-Belgium winner later Thursday, while Spain faces Australia in the last quarterfinal for a semifinal showdown with the U.S. on Saturday.
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