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Belgian Cats defeat Australia and secure quarter-final ticket at World Cup

The Belgian Cats win 80-68 against Australia, advancing to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

7 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Belgian Cats defeat Australia and secure quarter-final ticket at World Cup — Archive photoPhoto: Zafer · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0

The Belgian Cats defeated Australia 80-68 in their final group match at the basketball World Cup. This victory allows the Belgian women's basketball team to qualify directly for the quarter-finals and also gives them an extra rest day.

Emma Meesseman, one of the team players, previously expressed her dissatisfaction with the limited rest period the team had before this crucial match. According to Meesseman, such conditions are unusual at the professional level, especially compared to men's or other sports.

The match was a significant test for the Belgian Cats, who had to rally their strengths to overcome Australia. With a crucial three-pointer from Billie Massey at the end of the first half, which shifted the momentum in their favor, they demonstrated their ability to perform in 'money time'.

Following the victory, there is now anticipation for the next phase of the World Cup. The Belgian Cats have performed well and are looking forward to the quarter-finals. This achievement is historic, as the team reaches new milestones in their World Cup history.

The Belgian Cats will now have two days in Berlin to recover for the next round of the tournament. Their victory over Australia has been viewed as a team effort, with every member contributing to their success.

The match took place against the backdrop of a tight competitive structure, where the winner secured a better position in the knockout phase. Everyone is now looking forward to the quarter-finals, where more challenges await.

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