Canada to face France in Olympic quarterfinal, could face U.S. in gold-medal game

Canada will face France when the Olympic men's basketball tournament moves to Paris on Tuesday.

A draw was held Saturday to determine the quarterfinal matchups, which will also see Germany take on Greece, Serbia battle Australia, and Brazil face top-ranked United States. The draw also ensures Canada does not match up with Serbia, Australia, Brazil or the U.S. until the medal rounds. 

Canada finished pool play atop Group A with a 3-0 record after beating Greece, Australia and Spain. 

France came second in Group B following wins over Brazil and Japan, and a loss to Germany. 

Puerto Rico, Spain, South Sudan and Japan were eliminated after the group stage.

WATCH | Canada defeats Spain to win Group A:

The Canadians are making their first Olympic appearance since Sydney 2000.

The men's basketball semifinals are scheduled for Thursday and medal games will be held next Saturday.

Tip-off for Tuesday's quarterfinal is set for 12 p.m. ET, streaming live on CBC Gem and CBC Sports' Paris 2024 website and app.

It's a tough draw for Canada, getting the home team, and Victor Wembanyama, just to have a chance of advancing. Canada hasn't medalled at the Olympics since taking the silver medal in 1936, the infamous 19-8 loss on an outdoor court in a rainstorm to the U.S.

France coach Vincent Collet said his team can use Canada's higher seeding to its advantage.

"Now, it's even. We will be 0-0 on Tuesday," Collet said. "They have more to lose than us in this position."

The U.S. will face Brazil in the quarterfinals in Paris on Tuesday, and a semifinal matchup against Serbia or Australia awaits the Americans if they advance to the medal round.

"They're all excellent teams, well-coached," U.S. coach Steve Kerr said of the quarterfinalists.