The United States moved a step closer to regaining the FIBA Under-19 Women's World Cup after beating Canada in the quarter-finals in Bangkok today ©FIBA

The United States moved a step closer to regaining the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Under-19 Women's World Cup title after beating Canada in the quarter-finals in Bangkok today.

Queen Egbo was the seven-times champions' top performer as they prevailed 81-46 at Thai-Japan Youth Arena I in Bangkok.

Egbo managed 10 points and 10 rebounds as well as two assists, one steal and one block.

Team mate Rhyne Howard scored a game-high 14 points.

Standing between the US and a place in the final are Belgium, who defeated Japan 63-43 in the last match of the day.

It is the first time Belgium have reached the last four of the FIBA Under-19 Women's World Cup on only their second appearance in the biennial tournament. 

The other penultimate-round encounter will see Spain face Australia after they both came through their last-eight ties today.

Spain edged out China 55-52, while Australia claimed a 63-51 win over Mali.

The semi-finals are scheduled for tomorrow before the final takes centre stage on Sunday (July 28).

Reigning champions Russia failed to qualify for the event, with the US hoping to triumph for the first time since securing a sixth straight crown in 2015.