Effectively, that was anticlimactic. The quarter-finals of the 2026 FIBA World Cup left little suspense, as all 4 video games led to blowouts.
Now the semi-finals are set, and we’ve got Staff USA taking up Spain and France enjoying in opposition to Germany on Saturday.
Earlier than we preview these matchups, let’s evaluate how these 4 groups earned their last 4 spot.
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Staff USA crushes Hungary, 108-56
Rhyne Howard. | DeFodi Pictures through Getty Pictures
This one was over nearly instantly.
Staff USA is simply approach too stacked, centered and poised to ever lose to Hungary. They cruised to victory and had almost twice as many factors as their opponent.
It appears somebody new shines in each United States recreation. On this one, it was Napheesa Collier’s flip.
She ended the sport with 19 factors and 7 rebounds. Each have been group highs. Collier has had an up-and-down World Cup up to now. If that is the type of play she’s going to convey the remainder of the best way, then Staff USA has nothing to fret about.
Rhyne Howard was additionally spectacular. She had 15 factors within the win. Caitlin Clark continues to be a brilliant sub. Clark ended the competition with 10 factors, 9 rebounds, and a plus-minus of +36. She now has the most effective plus-minus within the World Cup at +94.
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France bests China, 90-61
Janelle Salaün. | FIBA through Getty Pictures
When folks consider France, they typically discuss their Large 3: Gabby Williams, Dominque Malonga and Marine Johannès. On Thursday, it was all about Janelle Salaün.
She had 15 factors, shot 50 % from the sector and grabbed six rebounds. Her efficiency was spectacular sufficient to earn Participant of the Sport honors, which clearly gave Williams a ton of pleasure.
Johannès was equally productive. She additionally scored 15 factors on 50% taking pictures and added seven assists.
Germany stuns Belgium, 93-74
Nyara Sabally drives on Emma Meesseman.
Emma Meesseman did the whole lot potential to offer Belgium the win. She scored 29 factors and took a whopping 21 discipline purpose makes an attempt. But it surely wasn’t sufficient, because the host nation gained comfortably.
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The consequence was surprising, as Belgium is ranked No. 5 on the earth whereas Germany is No. 11. That may actually change as soon as this competitors is over.
Leonie Fiebich was a key to Germany’s success. Fiebich had 17 factors, knocked down three 3-pointers and had 10 rebounds, a formidable feat for a guard.Nyara Sabally had a double-double with 16 factors and 12 rebounds within the win.
Germany will now tackle France, which will not be a simple recreation. Nonetheless, at this level, they’re enjoying with home cash as the house group. No matter occurs, this World Cup has been a smashing success for them.
Spain smashes Australia, 89-66
Iyana Martín takes the three. | FIBA through Getty Pictures
Australia’s streak of medaling within the three-straight World Cups has come to an finish with this loss.
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Spain outclassed Australia and did so early within the opening body, happening a 19-4 run late within the quarter. After that, Spain had management and by no means relinquished it.
Spain received a monster recreation from Megan Gustafson DiLeo, who led the cost with a team-high 16 factors. Whereas Meg carried the load within the frontcourt, Iyana Martín took care of issues within the backcourt. She had 14 factors within the win.
Whereas the loss is disappointing for Australia, they have been severely shorthanded. Ezi Magbegor tore her ACL within the group’s win over Italy, ending her World Cup and the remainder of her WNBA season.
Alanna Smith was out, and Jade Melbourne was a late scratch resulting from an sickness. To win all of it, a group wants a mixture of ability and luck. Australia had the expertise, however the damage bug bit on the worst time potential.
