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The national women\u2019s basketball team of Belgium, collectively known as the Belgian Cats, has announced themselves as top medal challengers with their spectacular play during the first group stages at the 2026 FIBA Women\u2019s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.<\/strong><\/p>\n Following up two straight EuroBasket titles in 2023 and 2025 respectively prior to this tournament, the fifth ranked team in the world has laid their claim by demonstrating flawless cohesion, high-octane transitions and robust team defense on a level never before seen so far into any world class event this season.<\/p>\n The anchor of an inspiring Belgian Cats team continues to be their charismatic star forward Emma Meesseman, who continues to lead by example both with her unstoppable effort and play that continues to be dominant on all aspects of the game.<\/p>\n Add an uncontainable and experienced playmaker in the form of point guard Julie Allemand to go along with a reliable three point threat with the presence of Julie Vanloo, and you now have a EuroBasket championship roster, featuring potentially one of the all-time top 5 most competitive starting five in all professional sports.<\/p>\n Their vital, mid-group-stage triumph against dominant power house Australia showcased Belgium\u2019s true strength on the tactical side as they earned their spot into the Quarter-Finals without question based on their team play and secure, confident performance.<\/p>\n This appearance may just prove to be the one to land Belgian basketball its first ever gold medal in the World Cup event: their highest placing previously was fourth at the World Cup in Spain in 2018 and fifth at the last World Cup held in 2022, but these latest stars of Belgium basketball possess something that many agree makes them Belgium\u2019s strongest unit yet, which should allow them to contend directly with the perennial dynasty that is the U.S.<\/p>\n Team-winners of every World Cup title until today. Coming into the knockout rounds that will be taking place in the Berlin Arena, there is the confidence, team chemistry and all-around skill that the Belgian Cats possess in order to make history this November.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n