Belgium Cats Dominate Brazil in World Cup Qualifying Opener
Wuhan, China – The Belgian Cats secured a dominant 99-70 victory over Brazil on , opening their campaign in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with a resounding statement. Already qualified for the upcoming World Cup by virtue of their recent European Championship title, Belgium approached the qualifying tournament as an opportunity to further refine their game and build momentum.
From the opening tip-off, the Belgian side demonstrated a clear advantage, quickly establishing a significant lead. They raced to a 23-12 advantage after the first quarter and extended that margin to 58-34 by halftime. The Brazilian team, needing a win to bolster their own qualifying chances, struggled to contain the Belgian offense and find consistent scoring opportunities.
The second half saw a more balanced exchange, but the Belgian Cats had already built an insurmountable lead. They continued to rotate their full 12-player roster, providing valuable playing time and experience to all members of the squad. The final score of 99-70 reflected Belgium’s comprehensive performance and control throughout the contest.
Julie Allemand, the Belgian point guard, orchestrated the offense with precision, finishing with 8 points in the first period alone, including a perfect 2-for-2 from three-point range, and adding 4 assists. Her ability to penetrate the defense and distribute the ball effectively was a key factor in Belgium’s early success. Kyara Linskens also proved instrumental in the first half, contributing 14 points on a perfect 4-for-4 from two-point range and 1-for-1 from beyond the arc.
The Belgian depth was on full display, with Antonia Delaere stepping up in the second half to add to the scoring. Becky Massey contributed 11 points, whereas Alicia Courthiau added 8, and Elise Ramette dished out 6 assists. Bethy Mununga also made her presence felt with 6 rebounds. Emma Meesseman added 13 points and 5 assists, showcasing her versatility and all-around game.
This victory marks a strong start for Belgium in the Wuhan tournament. They are now preparing for a more challenging matchup against host nation China, currently ranked fourth in the world by FIBA, on . The game against China is expected to be a much closer contest and will serve as a significant test for the Belgian team.
The tournament in Wuhan is one of four global qualifying events for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Berlin, Germany, from to . The top three teams from each group in Wuhan will earn a coveted spot in the World Cup field. Alongside Belgium, Brazil, China, Mali, South Sudan, and the Czech Republic, the competition is fierce.
Belgium’s participation in the World Cup is already secured as the reigning European champions, alongside Germany (host nation), the United States (Olympic champions), Nigeria (African champions), and Australia (Asian champions). However, the qualifying tournament provides a valuable opportunity to assess their team’s form, experiment with different lineups, and gain valuable competitive experience before the World Cup.
The Belgian squad for the Wuhan tournament includes Julie Allemand, Julie Vanloo, Elise Ramette, Maxuella Lisowa-Mbaka, Alicia Courthiau, Antonia Delaere, Becky Massey, Ine Joris, Bethy Mununga, Emma Meesseman, Kyara Linskens, and Billie Massey. Laura Vilcinskas, a 17-year-old prospect, was not included in the final roster.
Following the game against China, Belgium will face Mali on , South Sudan on , and the Czech Republic on . All games are being broadcast live on Sporza in Belgium. The team will be looking to continue their winning ways and solidify their position as one of the top teams in women’s basketball.
In the opening match of the tournament, the Czech Republic defeated South Sudan 89-52, demonstrating the competitive nature of the event. The Belgian Cats will require to maintain their focus and intensity throughout the tournament to achieve their goals and prepare effectively for the World Cup in Berlin.