China (W) vs France (W) Prediction 10 September 2026

China have reached the quarterfinals, but their overall play has been labored, displaying only average-quality basketball. Their Round of 16 clash with Puerto Rico (75-72) was no exception - once again, it took a dominant showing from star center Han Xu, who posted another double-double, to bail them out. It’s clear that China won’t look to complicate things against France. Instead, they’ll lean on their traditional strengths - physicality in the paint and rebounding - areas where they hold a slight edge over the French (with an average rebounding margin at the World Cup of 42 to 38 in favor of Gong’s squad). Still, it’s obvious that this single advantage is hardly enough to offset their multiple weaknesses and the significant gap in overall team quality and roster depth compared to France.

France have been putting on a spectacular show at this tournament, averaging over 100 points per game while shooting an outstanding 48.5% from beyond the arc and 66.7% on field goals. Les Bleues have steamrolled every opponent in their group, blowing out Hungary by 46 points, South Korea by 26, and Nigeria by 55. Playing at a relentless tempo, France punish teams in transition and force a high number of turnovers with their aggressive perimeter press. So far, the Tricolores look like a well-oiled machine, determined to dethrone Team USA from the top of the world. With Williams and Johannes leading a dynamic offense and a phenomenal defense to back it up, France have all the tools to make that ambition a reality.