BERLIN, Sep 09 (Alliance News): Belgium’s women’s basketball team, known as the Belgian Cats, has emerged as one of the leading medal contenders at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin following a series of impressive performances in the opening stages of the tournament.
The world No. 5 side entered the competition with considerable expectations after winning consecutive EuroBasket titles in 2023 and 2025. Belgium has so far underlined its credentials with strong team chemistry, fast-paced transitions and disciplined defensive performances.
The Belgian campaign continues to be led by star forward Emma Meesseman, who has been a key figure for the team with her all-round contributions and leadership on the court.
She has been supported by experienced point guard Julie Allemand, whose playmaking has provided Belgium with greater control in attack, while Julie Vanloo has remained an important threat from beyond the three-point line.
Belgium’s victory over powerhouse Australia during the group stage further highlighted the team’s tactical strength and confidence. The result helped secure the Belgian Cats’ place in the quarter-finals and strengthened their status among the leading teams in the tournament.
The Belgian side is now aiming to achieve a historic breakthrough at the World Cup. Belgium’s best previous finish came at the 2018 World Cup in Spain, where it placed fourth. The team finished fifth at the 2022 edition.
The current squad, however, is widely regarded as one of the strongest generations in Belgian women’s basketball, combining experience, depth and quality across the court.
The Belgian Cats will now turn their attention to the knockout rounds at the Berlin Arena, where they will face some of the world’s strongest teams in their pursuit of a first-ever World Cup gold medal.
Standing in their way is the United States, which has dominated the competition for decades and won every World Cup title to date.
With confidence high after the group stage, Belgium will enter the knockout phase hoping its team chemistry, defensive discipline and offensive firepower can carry it all the way to the final and into the history books.
