Paris, France—Get ready to crank up the volume, folks! The Bercy Arena in Paris is about to witness a showdown that’ll have fans flipping between croissants and waffles. France, the homegrown heroes, are set to face off against Belgium in the women’s basketball semifinal at the 2024 Olympics. And if you thought the train ride between these two countries was fast, wait until you see them on the court.
This isn’t just another basketball game; it’s a neighborly feud with the stakes as high as the Eiffel Tower. Belgium, in their sophomore Olympic appearance, have finally cracked the semifinals after a quarterfinal cruise past Spain that felt more like a Sunday stroll than a knockout game. Credit for the smooth sailing goes to former WNBA star Emma Meesseman, who was basically unstoppable, dropping 19 points alongside her trusty sidekick Kyara Linskens, who matched her point for point. The dynamic duo made sure Spain’s defense looked about as effective as a paper umbrella in a downpour.
But Belgium better not start celebrating with Belgian chocolate just yet. France is gunning for another podium finish after snagging the bronze in Tokyo. This will be their fourth consecutive semifinal appearance, and let’s just say they’re not here to hand out baguettes and call it a day. In their quarterfinal matchup, France sent Germany packing, with Marine Johannes playing like she had a cheat code, racking up 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting. Gabby Williams added 15 points, just to make sure no one was left wondering who’s in charge.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, fans on both sides of the border are packing their bags and making the trip to Paris, ready to scream themselves hoarse. Bercy Arena is going to be packed to the rafters, and the decibel level might just reach “Jet Engine” by the time this clash tips off. Whether it’s the French fans bringing the noise or the Belgians flooding the stands, one thing’s for sure: the players are going to need earplugs.
So, who’s got the edge? France, with their home-court advantage and Olympic pedigree, or Belgium, riding high on their historic run? One thing is certain—whoever loses this one won’t be able to look at a croissant or a waffle the same way again.
Where and When to Watch This Face-Off
Alright, here’s the not-so-fun part: you won’t be catching this game on your regular TV channels. Unless you’ve got a golden ticket to Paris, you’ll need to stream it live on Peacock. The game tips off at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, August 9, so clear your schedule, grab your snacks, and get ready to witness the madness.
France’s Road to the Semis
- July 29: France 75, Canada 54
- August 1: France 75, Nigeria 54
- August 4: Australia 79, France 72 (They let this one slip, but hey, they’re still standing!)
- August 7: France 84, Germany 71
- August 9: France vs. Belgium, 3 p.m. ET on Peacock
Belgium’s Journey to the Final Four
- July 29: Germany 83, Belgium 69 (A rough start, but they bounced back!)
- August 1: USA 87, Belgium 74
- August 4: Belgium 85, Japan 58
- August 7: Belgium 79, Spain 66
- August 9: Belgium vs. France, 3 p.m. ET on Peacock
So, who will take the ultimate bragging rights back home—France or Belgium? It’s going to be a game to remember, so don’t miss it!
