After narrowly escaping defeat against Italy in the second group-stage game, Team USA is gearing up for its quarterfinal matchup against Hungary. However, the basketball world is already anticipating a FIBA World Cup final between the American team and France.
Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) controls the ball against Phoenix Mercury forward-guard Noemie Brochant (1) during the second quarter of a WNBA basketball game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
The last time Team USA faced France was in the 2024 Olympic final. Despite a closely contested game, the Americans managed to seal the deal with a 98-87 score. However, the French team showed immense determination and put up a strong fight, which now has fans manifesting for another showdown between the two teams.
In a recent episode of ESPN’s Chiney Today, former WNBA player-turned-analyst Chiney Ogwumike made a bold prediction for a potential USA vs. France FIBA World Cup final.
When her co-host Brandon J. Newman asked whether she would “put France over USA” if they meet in the finals, Ogwumike said, “No. Respectfully. Respectfully, no.”
Clarifying her prediction, the Nigerian-born former basketball player said, “They will find ways to win and they have players that can execute that in a myriad of ways. So maybe it’s not Stewie’s night. Then here can be Jackie Young. Maybe it’s not Jackie’s night. Here can be, you know, the list just goes on and on and on.”
Ogwumike stressed that Team USA is playing without A’ja Wilson. Despite missing the Las Vegas Aces star, she believes other veterans have stepped up and delivered the performances that helped Team USA sweep the group stage.
The Italy game was, interestingly, the lowest-scoring victory for the Americans since 1967 in a World Cup fixture. But Ogwumike perfectly explained what troubled Team USA.
In the same video, Ogwumike pointed out the difference between the basketball used in the WNBA and the ball used in international play. The 34-year-old said, “The international ball has less grip. It has different seams, and you really have to play with it for a while to feel comfortable with it.”
Jun 8, 2026; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) on the court against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Ogwumike also noted that despite being the same size, the balls are made of different materials. She said, “The WNBA ball uses an eight-panel Wilson ball, whereas the FIBA ball uses a 12-panel Molten ball.”
According to the ESPN analyst, the FIBA ball has “a little bit more paneling,” which makes it tough for a player to grip, flick, and rotate it. She supported her point by noting that Team USA players used “literal and more touch at the layups.”
Whatever the variable was in the Italy game, Team USA managed to come away with the victory. They are now riding high heading into the knockouts in hopes of defending their title.
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