The first international match since the World Championship title in Manila was a big disappointment even before the game started as NBA pros Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner, and Daniel Theis were not present on the court with many fans wearing Wagner jerseys in the sold-out arena in Cologne. Franz Wagner, who according to media reports has extended his contract with the NBA team Orlando Magic for five years, was not allowed to play because he has not been able to sign his new contract in the NBA yet. His older brother Moritz, who also plays for Orlando, was not present for the same reason.

France was led by San Antonio Spurs power forward Victor Wembanyama with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in just 19 minutes. The combination of Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert was a formidable force for France: having two 7-foot players who can pass and finish makes the action difficult to guard. Wembanyama looked extremely comfortable handling the ball and making post-entry passes to Gobert. The Minnesota Timberwolves centre finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block.

Germany’s national coach Gordon Herbert —who is leaving his post after the Summer Games — had to do without a total of four world champions. Aside from the Wagner brothers and Theis, Olympian Johannes Thiemann also did not play due to knee problems. 

The decimated German team initially lacked rhythm, especially in attack, and the first twelve three-pointers all missed. Oscar da Silva was one of the only two German players to register double digits in the game, finishing with 15 points (5/7 FG) and 5 steals. Dennis Schröder shone with 23 points, 6 assists and a steal for Germany. 

The Brooklyn Nets point guard was involved in a brawl with Evan Fournier. Schröder to the hoop on a fast break but was double-teamed by Bilal Coulibaly and Fournier, who ripped the ball out of his hands. Schröder got up and walked up to Fournier, appearing as if to tug at the neck of his jersey. This immediately angered Fournier, who grabbed Schröder's neck with both hands. Fournier, was ejected by the referees following the incident. 

This is France's second win in the preparation period before the Paris Olympics: winning against Türkiye with a score of 96-46 on 3 July. France has already confirmed its roster for the Paris Olympics Germany’s Herbert hopes to be able to name his 12-man squad after the second test against the Netherlands in Hamburg.

The two teams will meet again as France is the German team's opponent in the Olympic preliminary round.