France rolls through FIBA World Cup group stage with record shooting
France has opened the FIBA Women's World Cup with three blowout wins, including a 55-point victory over Nigeria. Gabby Williams scored 25 points in that game, and the team set a World Cup record with 22 three-pointers. The dominant run comes two years after France narrowly lost to the U.S. in the Paris Olympics final.
France's group-stage sweep included decisive wins over Hungary (99-53), Korea (95-69), and Nigeria, with the latter producing a 55-point margin. Williams delivered 25 points on efficient shooting, while Salaun and Johannes contributed 19 and 17 points respectively. The team's 22 made three-pointers set a new single-game World Cup record.
The roster features eight WNBA players, with four starters—Williams, Salaun, Ayayi, and Lacan—joined by center Badiane. Notably, All-Star Malonga, All-Rookie candidate Astier, and Portland's top scorer Leite all come off the bench, underscoring the squad's depth. The U.S. nearly fell to Italy and Spain lost to Mali, suggesting an unusually open field.
France's dominant start could reshape expectations for women's international basketball, potentially signaling a shift away from U.S. hegemony in major tournaments. The team's deep WNBA pipeline may inspire greater investment in European development programs and boost the sport's visibility in France following the Olympic silver. For fans, a competitive final could elevate the World Cup's profile, while broadcasters and sponsors may see increased interest if France sustains this form through the knockout rounds.