Berlin Court: Germany Falls to France
The dust settles on a ten-day war in Berlin. The floorboards still hum with the echo of sneakers, but the medal ceremony is hours away. France and the USA stand on the other side of the net, ready for the final clash.
The arena air is thick with the scent of polished wood and tension. Berlin has hosted the women’s Basketball World Championship from September 4 to 13, 2026, a ten-day span where thirty-six matches carved out the path to glory. The group stages have ended, and the knockout rounds have whittled the field down to the four strongest squads. Germany, playing on home soil, fought hard in Group A, finishing second behind Spain. But the road to the podium proved steeper than expected. The team’s journey ended in the semifinal, where they faced a relentless French side.
France did not hesitate. In the semifinal on September 12, the French team dismantled Germany with an 86-64 victory. The gap was wide, the pace unrelenting. Now, Germany faces a different kind of pressure: the bronze medal match. It is a chance to salvage something from a disappointing run, a final test of character on the court that has seen so many battles this month. The ball is in the air, and the next possession is everything.
Group Battles Set the Stage
The tournament began with explosive energy. In Group A, Spain dominated, posting a 192-161 point differential. Germany followed closely, securing five points and a 176-173 balance. Mali and Japan struggled, both finishing with four points. Group B saw France emerge as the clear powerhouse. They outscored opponents 305-178, a staggering margin that signaled their intent early. Hungary, South Korea, and Nigeria fought for survival, but the French machine was already in full gear.
Group C was a tight race. Belgium topped the table with six points, narrowly edging out Australia. Puerto Rico and Turkey battled for the remaining spots, with Puerto Rico holding a slight edge in the standings. Group D was dominated by the United States. They finished with six points and a 254-177 point differential. China secured second place, while Italy and Czechia fought for the final knockout spots. The group stages were brutal, eliminating half the field and setting the stage for the high-stakes knockout phase.
Knockout Rounds Define the Field
The knockout phase began with intense matchups. Hungary defeated Japan 84-63, while Germany overcame South Korea 94-56. China edged past Puerto Rico 75-72, and Australia beat Italy 82-80. The quarterfinals saw the favorites asserting their dominance. The United States crushed Hungary 108-56. France defeated China 90-61. Belgium held off Germany 93-74, and Spain outlasted Australia 89-66. The semifinals were decisive. France beat Germany 86-64, and the United States defeated Spain 76-66. The stage is set for the final.
Final Showdown in Berlin
The final between France and the United States is scheduled for September 13 at 20:00. Germany’s bronze medal match starts at 16:30 against the loser of the second semifinal. Both games are available on ProSieben MAXX and in the Joyn livestream. According to GN sports/basketball (de), the coverage includes detailed schedules and standings. The arena is ready, the lights are bright, and the world watches. This is the last chance for Germany to prove their worth, and the final moment for France and the USA to claim the title.
