Full Breakdown
France Sets 3-Point Record as Belgium Advances to Women’s FIBA World Cup Quarterfinals
9/8/2026, 9:09:35 AM
Record 3-Point Shooting by France
France posted a 111-56 victory over Nigeria, establishing a new World Cup record with 22 successful three-point shots. The milestone was reached when Migna Toure’s 21st three-pointer broke Japan’s three-day-old record of 20, and Dominique Malonga added the 22nd. Gabby Williams contributed 25 points and six rebounds, and the French squad had already secured a quarterfinal berth before the game.
Belgium Secures Quarterfinal Spot
Emma Meesseman led Belgium to an 80-68 win over Australia, delivering 22 points and ten rebounds. The victory placed Belgium atop Group C and earned a direct place in Thursday’s quarterfinals. Belgium entered the fourth quarter with a five-point advantage, then expanded the lead with an 11-2 run. Julie Allemand recorded seven assists, bringing her career total to 111 assists in World Cup play, an all-time record.
Other Group Results
In Group B, Hungary defeated South Korea 82-73 to finish second. Puerto Rico eliminated Turkey 75-71; Arella Guirantes scored 21 points, while Imani McGee-Stafford and Pamela Rosado provided key scoring in the final quarter. Turkey’s power forward Elif Bayram left the game with an apparent left-leg injury, and Turkish fans attempted to distract Guirantes but were unable to prevent her decisive free throws.
Tournament Structure and Upcoming Matchups
The tournament format advances the four group winners directly to Thursday’s quarterfinals. Teams finishing second and third will compete in playoff games on Tuesday or Wednesday to fill the remaining slots. Host Germany (1-1) will face Mali (1-1), while Spain (1-1) meets Japan (1-1) in Group A. Italy (1-1) and China (1-1) will contest a second-place decider in Group D. Puerto Rico’s next opponent is the winner of the Italy-China matchup.
Implications for the Competition
France’s shooting display underscores the growing emphasis on perimeter offense in women’s international basketball. Belgium’s strong performance, highlighted by Meesseman’s double-double and Allemand’s assist record, positions the European champions as a formidable contender in the knockout stage. The remaining group games and upcoming playoffs will determine the final composition of the quarterfinal field, setting the stage for intensified competition in the tournament’s second half.
