Gabby Williams powered France into the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals with 25 points in a 111-56 rout of Nigeria. France finished the group phase 3-0, clinching first place in Group B with a record-setting display from three-point range.

What happened

Williams made six three-pointers while adding six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Her production helped France take control early and build a commanding 65-26 halftime advantage.

Nigeria scored 13 points in each of the first three quarters, never finding the offensive surge required to challenge France’s pace. The 39-point halftime margin left France firmly in control before it closed out the 55-point victory.

France’s offense remained the defining feature of the game. Its 111-point total reflected a balanced team performance around Williams’ scoring and an exceptional night from beyond the arc.

Why it matters

The result completed a perfect group phase for France and guaranteed a direct place in the quarterfinals. By winning Group B, France avoided the qualification round and moved one victory closer to the tournament’s final stages.

For Nigeria, the defeat brought a difficult group campaign to an end. Its third loss eliminated the team from the tournament, with France’s early advantage preventing any realistic path back into the game.

The scale of the victory also reinforced France’s momentum entering the knockout stage. A 3-0 record, a direct quarterfinal berth and a tournament record from long range gave the group winner a decisive finish to preliminary play.

By the numbers

Williams shot 6-for-8 from three-point range, a 75% conversion rate. Her six makes accounted for more than a quarter of France’s 22 successful three-pointers.

That team total established a Women’s World Cup single-game record. France surpassed the previous mark of 20 made threes, which Japan had set earlier in the tournament.

The defensive numbers were just as striking. Nigeria was held to 13 points in the first quarter, 13 in the second and 13 in the third, while France had already scored 65 by halftime.

What to watch next

France will return Thursday for its quarterfinal matchup. Its opponent will be determined by the qualification round, where teams compete for the remaining places in the last eight.

Williams enters that game after combining high-volume perimeter scoring with contributions across the box score. France will look to carry its unbeaten group record and record-breaking three-point form into the knockout stage.