Gabby Williams scored 22 points as France defeated host Germany 86-64 in the women's World Cup semifinals, securing the country's first appearance in the tournament's gold medal game. Williams added five assists, five rebounds and four steals as France turned a seven-point halftime lead into a 22-point victory.

What happened

France held a 45-38 advantage at halftime, leaving Germany within seven points with the second half still to play. The host nation could not close that gap, and France extended its advantage by outscoring Germany 41-26 after the break.

Williams' contribution stretched across scoring, distribution, rebounding and defense. Her 22 points came alongside five assists and five rebounds, while her four steals added another dimension to a performance that helped send France into the final.

Why it matters

The victory puts France in a women's World Cup gold medal game for the first time. Having secured that breakthrough against the host nation, France is now one win away from the title, with its final opponent still to be determined.

For Germany, the semifinal defeat ends the pursuit of a championship on home soil. A contest separated by seven points at halftime finished with a much wider margin, as France's second-half advantage settled which team would continue its title bid.

By the numbers

After France led 45-38 at halftime, the difference between the teams grew substantially. France's 41-26 second half added 15 points to its lead, taking the margin from seven at the interval to 22 at the finish.

France scored fewer points in the second half than in the first, but Germany's total fell from 38 to 26. That contrast explains how France expanded its lead so decisively, with Williams finishing on 22 points, five assists, five rebounds and four steals.

What to watch next

The USA-Spain semifinal will determine who faces France for the championship. The remaining matchup is listed in FIBA's semifinal schedule, with the winner advancing to meet a French team that has already secured a historic place in the final.