Qualified Team Focus - Belgium: Can the Cats continue to light it up?

MIES (Switzerland) - The Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 lineup is now known and with the game schedule also confirmed, we're checking out the 12 nations bidding for glory at Paris 2024.

We're now dropping in on Belgium, who are the sixth highest placed nation in the FIBA World Ranking Women, presented by Nike.

How they qualified

Belgium made home advantage count as they booked their spot for Paris with a 2-1 record in front of record breaking crowds at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Antwerp.

They saw off Senegal and Nigeria having only lost to USA on a buzzer-beater in an epic clash that will be remembered for years by those who were present - even if it didn't directly contribute to their qualification.

Record at the Olympics

Appearances: 2 - 2020 (7th); 2024
Medals: 0

Last appearance 

Belgium endured a broken heart at Tokyo 2020 as their first-ever Olympics delivered the most brutal of stomach-churning results. They were edged out in the most cruel fashion, 86-85, by Japan in the Quarter-Finals and even if it was truly a game for the ages, that is of no consolation for the Cats who had been tipped for a possible debut medal.

The Group Phase 

Belgium will have to do it the hard way at what will be just their second-ever edition of the Olympics. They have been thrust into Group C, aka 'The Group of Death' where revenge is firmly on the menu.

They will get an opportunity to surprise USA and re-engage after that last-gasp loss in Antwerp recently, as well as fixing some of the heartache of Tokyo 2020 by facing Japan once again.  Their clash with Olympic rookies Germany should also be one to savor. 

Belgium Group Phase games

vs Germany (July 29)
vs USA (August 1)
vs Japan (August 4)

Players to watch

Belgium will have the one and only Emma Meesseman as their centerpiece and inspiration as always. A tour de force anytime she pulls on a Belgian jersey, she is the heartbeat and revered leader who will dominate in points and rebounds - as well as showing off her underrated defensive skills.

Julie Vanloo and Julie Allemand will serve poise and production in the backcourt. Late in March, Allemand suffered a severe ankle injury. Every basketball fan hopes she will recover in time for the big event.

The wing areas continue to get stronger. As well as the rock that is Antonia Delaere, the impact of Maxuella Lisow-Mbaka is on the rise. Also, watch out for the expected return of Kyara Linskens from injury under the basket after she missed out in Antwerp. 

Qualified Team Focus series

During coming weeks and months, we will continue to check out all teams ready to step out at Paris 2024 as part of our Qualified Team Focus series. You can already take a look at USA, China, Australia, Spain, and Canada.

FIBA