After narrowly escaping defeat in opposition to Italy within the second group-stage sport, Group USA is gearing up for its quarterfinal matchup in opposition to Hungary. Nonetheless, the basketball world is already anticipating a FIBA World Cup last between the American workforce and France.
Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Grey (12) controls the ball in opposition to Phoenix Mercury forward-guard Noemie Brochant (1) in the course of the second quarter of a WNBA basketball sport at Michelob Extremely Enviornment. Obligatory Credit score: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Photos
The final time Group USA confronted France was within the 2024 Olympic last. Regardless of a carefully contested sport, the People managed to seal the take care of a 98-87 rating. Nonetheless, the French workforce confirmed immense dedication and put up a robust battle, which now has followers manifesting for one more showdown between the 2 groups.
Commercial
ESPN Analyst Believes Group USA Will “Discover Methods To Win” Towards France
In a current episode of ESPN’s Chiney At this time, former WNBA player-turned-analyst Chiney Ogwumike made a daring prediction for a possible USA vs. France FIBA World Cup last.
When her co-host Brandon J. Newman requested whether or not she would “put France over USA” in the event that they meet within the finals, Ogwumike mentioned, “No. Respectfully. Respectfully, no.”
Clarifying her prediction, the Nigerian-born former basketball participant mentioned, “They’ll discover methods to win they usually have gamers that may execute that in a myriad of how. So possibly it isn’t Stewie’s night time. Then right here could be Jackie Younger. Possibly it isn’t Jackie’s night time. Right here could be, , the record simply goes on and on and on.”
Ogwumike confused that Group USA is taking part in with out A’ja Wilson. Regardless of lacking the Las Vegas Aces star, she believes different veterans have stepped up and delivered the performances that helped Group USA sweep the group stage.
Commercial
Chiney Ogwumike Breaks Down Why Group USA Struggled Towards Italy
The Italy sport was, curiously, the lowest-scoring victory for the People since 1967 in a World Cup fixture. However Ogwumike completely defined what troubled Group USA.
In the identical video, Ogwumike identified the distinction between the basketball used within the WNBA and the ball utilized in worldwide play. The 34-year-old mentioned, “The worldwide ball has much less grip. It has completely different seams, and you actually should play with it for some time to really feel comfy with it.”
Jun 8, 2026; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; New York Liberty ahead Breanna Stewart (30) on the courtroom in opposition to the Connecticut Solar within the first half at Mohegan Solar Enviornment. Obligatory Credit score: David Butler II-Imagn Photos
Ogwumike additionally famous that regardless of being the identical dimension, the balls are made of various supplies. She mentioned, “The WNBA ball makes use of an eight-panel Wilson ball, whereas the FIBA ball makes use of a 12-panel Molten ball.”
Commercial
In line with the ESPN analyst, the FIBA ball has “a bit bit extra paneling,” which makes it robust for a participant to grip, flick, and rotate it. She supported her level by noting that Group USA gamers used “literal and extra contact on the layups.”
Regardless of the variable was within the Italy sport, Group USA managed to return away with the victory. They’re now driving excessive heading into the knockouts in hopes of defending their title.
Extra WNBA Information:
