The two countries have won the last four editions of the competition and are looking to chase down Brazil's record of five titles since the inaugural event in 1989.

Colombia got off to a dire start at the Domo de la Feria in the Mexican city of León as the US, the Olympic champions, burst into a 23-11 lead after the first quarter.

The Americans then held their advantage throughout the match to end up 68-49 winners.

Lauren Betts starred as she topped the scoring charts with 16 points in addition to taking 14 rebounds.

Rickea Jackson and Angel Reese also contributed to the total with respective hauls of 15 and 13 points.

Later in the day, Canada met three-time runners-up Argentina in León in one of their hardest challenges of the tournament so far.

Julieta Mungo came out firing as she found the net with every shot from the field for 10 points as Argentina finished the first quarter with a 20-18 lead.

The Canadian defence managed to suffocate her attacking prowess ass the match progressed and held her to just two points in the second period to go into the half-time break up 38-30.

Despite the deficit, Argentina dominated in almost all areas and forced multiple turnovers but could not turn the pressure into points.

Nirra Fields, one of Canada's most efficient players in the tournament so far with an 11 points per game average, then found her form. 

The 29-year-old registered 22 points and eight rebounds to help her side to a 68-60 triumph which saw them progress to the semi-finals for the seventh straight edition of the tournament.

Brazil cruised past hosts Mexico 83-61 to set up a final four meeting with Puerto Rico on the other side of the bracket.

The Puerto Ricans prevailed 89-86 after overtime in a thriller against Venezuela.