Home PageNewsJuly 2026 - 07/2026Semi-finalists confirmed as title race intensifies at the 54th CISM Military World Basketball Championship
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Semi-finalists confirmed as title race intensifies at the 54th CISM Military World Basketball Championship

 

 

BOURGES (FRA) – The group stage of the 54th CISM Military World Basketball Championship came to an exciting conclusion on Wednesday, setting the stage for a thrilling knockout phase. With the men's quarter-finals completed on Thursday and the women's semi-finalists confirmed, the race for the coveted CISM world titles has entered its decisive stage.

 

The final day of the women's group stage confirmed the impressive form of the tournament favourites. Host nation France completed a perfect campaign in Group A by defeating previously unbeaten Germany 87-55. After earlier victories over Canada and Latvia, the French women finished top of the group with an unbeaten 3-0 record, while Germany secured second place to book its ticket to the semi-finals.

 

 

In Group B, Brazil had already secured first place before the final day thanks to convincing victories over the United States and the Netherlands. The battle for second place went to the United States, which comfortably defeated the Netherlands 78-41 to complete the semi-final line-up. Latvia concluded its campaign on a positive note with a narrow 60-58 victory over Canada to claim third place in Group A.

 

The men's competition also concluded an exciting preliminary round. France completed an unbeaten run to finish first in Group A, while Latvia booked the second qualification spot with a commanding 105-62 victory over the Netherlands. Brazil confirmed its dominance in Group B with the most emphatic victory of the group stage, defeating Bangladesh 130-47, while Germany edged Kenya 79-71 in a decisive encounter to advance as runners-up.

 

 

In Group C, Greece continued to impress with a convincing 79-54 victory over Canada, completing an unbeaten campaign after its spectacular 124-point performance against Lebanon earlier in the tournament. Canada nevertheless secured second place. Lithuania also entered the knockout phase undefeated after topping Group D, confirming its status as one of the strongest teams in the championship.

 

With the preliminary phase complete, Thursday's men's quarter-finals delivered basketball of the highest quality.

 

Playing before a passionate home crowd at the Palais des Sports du Prado, France produced another composed and disciplined performance to defeat Cyprus 79-47. Strong defensive intensity and excellent ball movement allowed the hosts to gradually pull away before comfortably sealing their place in the last four.

 

 

Greece once again demonstrated why it possesses one of the tournament's most potent offences. After already scoring 124 points during the group stage, the Greeks overwhelmed Germany 122-59 with a relentless attacking display, combining fast-break basketball with outstanding shooting accuracy to comfortably secure a semi-final berth.

 

Lithuania maintained its unbeaten record with a controlled 76-53 victory over Canada. Remaining patient on offence while limiting Canada's scoring opportunities through disciplined defence, the Baltic side never looked seriously threatened and advanced confidently to the semi-finals.

 

The standout match of the day came in the clash between Brazil and Latvia. Widely regarded as two of the strongest teams in the competition, they produced a spectacular quarter-final that remained in doubt until the final possession. In a game filled with momentum swings, Latvia held its nerve in the closing seconds to claim a dramatic 84-83 victory, eliminating the previously unbeaten Brazilians and producing the biggest surprise of the championship so far.

 

 

Thursday also marked the beginning of the classification matches, as the teams eliminated from title contention continued to battle for the highest possible final ranking. In the 9th–10th place classification, the Netherlands defeated Bangladesh 84-51 to book a meeting with Kenya, which had automatically qualified after the three-team Group D. The winner of that encounter will finish 9th, while the loser will be ranked 10th. Meanwhile, Lebanon claimed an important 101-90 victory over Kenya in the 11th–12th place classification, securing 11th place overall and leaving Kenya to finish 12th. In the 5th–8th place classification, Brazil, Canada, Germany and Cyprus remain in contention after their quarter-final defeats, with the final placings to be decided over the coming days.

 

Attention now turns to Friday's semi-finals, where only four nations remain in contention for the men's title. Hosts France will meet the high-scoring Greece in what promises to be one of the highlights of the championship, while Latvia and Lithuania will renew their Baltic rivalry for the second place in the gold-medal game.

 

The women's competition also reaches its decisive stage, with France facing the United States in the first semi-final and Brazil taking on Germany in the second. With places in Sunday's finals at stake, another memorable day of military basketball awaits in Bourges.

 

 

Basketball fans around the world can continue to follow every game live throughout the championship on the official livestream channels:

 

As an Official CISM Partner, Sofascore provides comprehensive live coverage of the championship, including schedules, live scores, statistics, standings and final results throughout both tournaments.

 

 

Whether following the action live or catching up after the games, supporters can rely on Sofascore to stay up to date with every basket, every result and the latest standings as the battle for the 54th CISM Military World Basketball Championship titles reaches its climax.

 

More information on: https://www.terre.defense.gouv.fr/championnats-du-monde-militaires/championnats-du-monde-militaires/54e-championnat-du-monde-militaire-basketball

 

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Académie militaire des sports de la Défense (AMSD))

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