The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is in full swing, and while the United States and France remain the tournament favorites, Belgium has emerged as a surprise contender in Group A. On Monday, the Red Flames secured an 80-68 victory over a strong Australian side, a win that underscores the depth of talent on the Belgian roster.
Emma Meesseman’s standout night
Emma Meesseman led the charge with a near‑triple‑double, scoring 22 points on 10‑of‑17 shooting, pulling down 10 rebounds, dishing out eight assists and adding two steals. Her all‑around play proved decisive against an Australian lineup that featured eight current WNBA players, including Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor and New York Liberty guard Rebecca Allen.
Supporting contributions from the Belgian core
Veteran guard Julie Vanloo added 12 points and five assists, while fellow guard Julie Allemand contributed 11 points and seven assists. Both Vanloo and Allemand have recent WNBA experience, and Allemand currently plays for the Toronto Tempo. The Red Flames also benefited from the presence of two other active WNBA players: Antonia Delaere of the Minnesota Lynx and center Kyara Linskens of the Phoenix Mercury.
Belgium’s strong start to group play
Before facing Australia, Belgium posted convincing wins over Turkey (89-75) and Puerto Rico (76-64). Meesseman again led the team against Turkey, posting 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Against Puerto Rico, forward Maxuella Lisowa Mbaka scored 16 points, while Vanloo added 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.
What the win means for the tournament
Although the United States and France are still the clear gold‑medal favorites—both squads are stacked with top‑end WNBA talent—Belgium’s early performances suggest they could be in the mix for a podium finish. Their balanced attack, veteran leadership, and the ability to compete with teams that field multiple WNBA stars demonstrate that the Red Flames are more than just a dark‑horse.
Looking ahead
Belgium’s next group‑stage opponents will determine whether they can maintain momentum and secure a spot in the knockout round. If they continue to play as a cohesive unit and leverage the experience of players like Meesseman—who is a former WNBA Finals MVP—their chances of advancing deepen.
For fans of international women’s basketball, Belgium’s surprising surge adds an exciting storyline to a tournament already dominated by the United States and France. The Red Flames have shown they can compete with the world’s best, and their upcoming games will be closely watched by anyone hoping to see a new contender emerge.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
