USA Basketball learned its path toward a fifth consecutive world title on Tuesday, as FIBA announced the group stage draw for the 2026 Women's World Cup in Berlin.
Team USA landed in Group D alongside China, Italy, and Czechia. Held every four year, the 2026 tournament marks the first FIBA World Cup with an expanded 16-team field, with the previous format featuring just 12 teams.
USA Basketball enters with dominant head-to-head records against all three group opponents. The US is 8-0 against China in World Cup competition while stand 2-0 against Czechia.
Italy presents Team USA's only competitive loss. The pair's head-to-head record is split 1-1, though they haven't faced each in World Cup play since 1979 —, when the US won 66-64.
Duke coach Kara Lawson leads USA Basketball as head coach. Managing director Sue Bird will oversee the 12-player roster selection.
The tournament features host Germany in Group A alongside Japan, Spain and Mali. Group B includes France, Hungary, South Korea, and Nigeria. Group C showcases reigning European champion Belgium alongside Australia, Puerto Rico, and Turkey.
The WNBA is planning a three-week regular-season break to accommodate top US and international players competing at the FIBA World Cup.
How to Watch USA Basketball at the 2026 FIBA World Cup
The FIBA World Cup tips off September 4th in Berlin, Germany, when USA Basketball opens group play against China. The game is a rematch of the 2022 FIBA World Cup Final, after the US dominated that title game 83-61.
Group-stage winners advance directly to the quarterfinals on September 10th, while second- and third-place finishers compete for the remaining four quarterfinal berths on September 8th and 9th.
The semifinals take place September 12th, with the championship game following on September 13th.
