Both nations headed into their semi-finals with unbeaten records and one victory away from qualifying for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

Reigning champions Canada starting their match against Brazil as the clear favourites and justified their status by storming into a 24-12 lead in the opening quarter at the Estadio Obras Sanitarias.

They extended their advantage to 41-22 by half-time, leaving Brazil requiring a stunning comeback to battle their way back into the match.

Brazil were unable to achieve the feat as Canada continued to pull away in the contest to convincingly win 84-45.

The Canadian team was led by Nirra Fields, who scored 16 points during the tie.

Argentina delighted their home crowd by claiming victory in the second semi-final, producing a strong performance to see off the challenge of Puerto Rico.

Roared on by the crowd, Argentina made a bright start and took a 13-4 lead in the first quarter of the contest.

Puerto Rico clawed their way back into the tie in the second quarter, the score standing at 22-18 at half-time.

The Argentinian team extended their narrow advantage to eight points in the third, but were forced to hold off a Puerto Rican fightback in the final quarter.

The hosts eventually held on to secure a 48-44 win, sealing their World Cup spot and a place in the AmeriCup final.

Argentina will hope for their maiden continental title tomorrow, having previously suffered defeat in the 2009 and 2011 finals.

Canada will seek their third victory at the event but first outside their own country, having triumphed when hosting the AmeriCup in 1995 and 2015.

Brazil and Puerto Rico will go head-to-head in the bronze medal match.

The winner will claim the final qualification spot to next year’s World Cup in Spain.