Kolkata: Germany made a statement in front of their home crowd, beating European champions Belgium 93-74 to set up a semi-final clash in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026.
Germany played a brilliant exhibition of basketball in Berlin, Germany, mixing intensity on the defensive end of the court with sharp shooting and poise to cruise past Belgium and set up one of the most-watched games in the tournament so far.
Belgium were one of the teams to beat in the tournament after reaching the knockout stages with a perfect campaign. They were armed with Emma Meesseman, who had been one of the World Cup’s key players.
Germany, on the other hand, were on the rise after picking up wins against Japan and Mali in the group stage following their opening defeat to Spain. They delivered their best-ever performance in the 94-56 demolition of South Korea in the last eight, a win that secured their first-ever appearance at this stage of the competition.
The confidence of Germany’s players was palpable as they arrived at the game knowing they would face one of the tournament’s fancied sides.
The hosts attacked Belgium’s defences with pace and aggression, constantly threatening the goal. Germany’s intensity on the court also frustrated Belgium, who struggled to impose their usual dominance.
Belgium fought on throughout the contest, but Germany always had an answer when the European champions threatened to close the gap.
The Belgian offence was unable to maintain its customary efficiency, while Germany’s all-action attack proved too much. The hosts’ ability to score regularly ensured they were always in control of the game, sealing victory and creating a lasting memory for the local fans.
The 19-point winning margin was a fitting reward for Germany’s mastery of the contest and completed a stunning turnaround after their opening day woes.
The victory is a historic one for the German women’s basketball team. The host nation had entered this week’s crucial games aiming to win their first-ever World Cup quarter-final match.
The win averts a huge upset and avenges the Belgium’s 24-point EuroBasket 2025 quarter-final win over Germany in 2025. Germany had beaten Belgium in the Paris 2024 Olympic quarter-finals, and this is the latest chapter in a fast-growing rivalry.
For Belgium, it means the end of the road in their attempt to win their first-ever World Cup medal. The Belgian Cats had earlier this year made it to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, finishing fifth overall. In 2018, they made their World Cup debut, reaching the semi-finals as well.
Final score
Belgium 74–93 Germany
Germany advance to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 semi-finals, while Belgium exit the tournament at the quarter-final stage.
