Team USA entered the FIBA Women’s World Cup once again as favorites to win the title. And after winning all their group stage games, that should further solidify head coach Kara Lawson’s side as the team to beat. But that is not the case according to FIBA itself, which put France ahead of the USA in its latest power rankings.
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France has definitely been the most dominant side of the tournament till now, with their blowout wins against Hungary (99-53), South Korea (95-69), and Nigeria (111-56) reflecting that to the fullest.
France’s threat to the USA becomes even more real when we understand that eight French players already have experience in the WNBA, headlined by Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams. Her Valkyries teammate Janelle Salaun is also on the French roster and is one of the favorites to win the Sixth Player of the Year award.
Apart from Williams and Salaun, Carla Leite of the Portland Fire, Marine Johannes of the New York Liberty, Pauline Astier of the Liberty, Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm, Leila Lacan of the Connecticut Sun, and Valériane Ayayi of the Phoenix Mercury are also on the team.
France’s No. 1 spot was further cemented after Team USA recorded its lowest total in a major international tournament in 42 years against Italy, barely winning the contest 55-52. However, despite the shortcomings, Team USA fans do not believe France is superior to them in any way.
“Unless the US lost and I missed it, moving France above them is dumb. Measuring wins gets you nowhere.” One fan noted that if the USA had lost any of its games, the conversation would have been different. But since that is not the case, putting France above the Stars and Stripes squad makes no sense.
“This is stupid. Keep that same energy when the USA thrashes them.” Another fan is already looking forward to the potential matchup between Team USA and France, and has challenged FIBA to be on the same side, as she believes Lawson’s side will dominate France.
“Johannes, Allemand and Gabby aren’t beating the USA. Our coaching isn’t good but we have the better players.” One fan criticized Kara Lawson’s coaching, whose starting lineup choices has been scrutinized by analysts and fans alike. However, they still believe France does not have the quality to outmaneuver Team USA head-to-head.
“@usabasketball how will you guys respond to the disrespect???? Show me something.” Another netizen supporting the Stars and Stripes squad believes it to be a “disrespect” for putting the French over the USA and wants the team to unleash their full potential from here on.
“USA dropping one spot was expected and deserved after that disgusting game vs Italy. Also, these are power rankings, not odds, so idk why people getting upset over the OP lol.”
Meanwhile, one user understood the basis of these rankings and believes that France being ranked above the US is fair game after the games we have witnessed. “Taking into account the performances and results so far – as well as the all-important tournament bracket and crossovers, here’s how it’s looking heading into the knockout stages.” FIBA put this statement on its website as well before heading over to the rankings.
Regardless of the current rankings, France has become Team USA’s biggest rival in recent memory. We all remember the 2024 Paris Olympics final when France was on the brink of victory if not for MVP A’ja Wilson’s heroics that won the USA the gold medal after beating France by just one point.
However, Team USA got their wake-up call against Italy and put out a solid display against the Czech Republic on Monday. As we enter the knockouts, Team USA will likely be more determined than ever, with Lawson’s words ringing in their ears after the Italy game.
“Let this be the last time that a team plays with more passion than us throughout the course of the game. Let this be the last time that all twelve don’t show up to compete at a high level. Let this be the last time that we lack a resilient mindset because we’re so upset that we’re not scoring the way we’re normally scoring,” was the message USA coach Kara Lawson had for her team after the narrow victory over Italy.