Nicely, that was anticlimactic. The quarter-finals of the 2026 FIBA World Cup left little suspense, as all 4 video games resulted in blowouts.
Now the semi-finals are set, and we’ve got Staff USA taking up Spain and France enjoying towards Germany on Saturday.
Earlier than we preview these matchups, let’s evaluation how these 4 groups earned their last 4 spot.
Staff USA crushes Hungary, 108-56
This one was over virtually instantly.
Staff USA is simply approach too stacked, targeted and poised to ever lose to Hungary. They cruised to victory and had practically twice as many factors as their opponent.
It appears somebody new shines in each United States sport. On this one, it was Napheesa Collier’s flip.
She ended the sport with 19 factors and 7 rebounds. Each have been crew highs. Collier has had an up-and-down World Cup thus far. If that is the type of play she’s going to carry the remainder of the way in which, 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.
France bests China, 90-61
When individuals consider France, they typically speak about their Huge 3: Gabby Williams, Dominque Malonga and Marine Johannès. On Thursday, it was all about Janelle Salaün.
She had 15 factors, shot 50 % from the sphere 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% capturing and added seven assists.
Germany stuns Belgium, 93-74
Emma Meesseman did every little thing potential to offer Belgium the win. She scored 29 factors and took a whopping 21 area objective makes an attempt. Nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient, because the host nation received comfortably.
The consequence was sudden, as Belgium is ranked No. 5 on this planet whereas Germany is No. 11. That can definitely 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 powerful 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 received’t be a simple sport. Nevertheless, at this level, they’re enjoying with home cash as the house crew. No matter occurs, this World Cup has been a smashing success for them.
Spain smashes Australia, 89-66
Australia’s streak of medaling within the three-straight World Cups has come to an finish with this loss.
Spain outclassed Australia and did so early within the opening body, occurring a 19-4 run late within the quarter. After that, Spain had management and by no means relinquished it.
Spain received a monster sport 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 crew’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 crew wants a mix of ability and luck. Australia had the expertise, however the harm bug bit on the worst time potential.
