US Women's Basketball Advances in FIBA World Cup

The United States women's national basketball team secured its place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany. Victories against China and Italy in group play propelled the team forward, reinforcing its status as a tournament favorite despite navigating a challenging schedule and close contests.

Dominant Opening Against China

Team USA began its tournament run with a decisive 94-61 victory over China. This early Group D matchup featured two of the world's top-ranked teams. Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers contributed 14 points off the bench, shooting 6-9 from the field, as one of three U.S. reserves to reach double figures.

China presented a significant physical challenge, particularly with 7-foot, 3-inch center Zhang Ziyu. The 17-year-old, who averaged 35 points and 12.8 rebounds in the 2024 Under-18 World Cup, was limited to 13 points and six rebounds against the U.S. defense. Coach Kara Lawson deployed WNBA players Angel Reece and Aliyah Boston to counter China's frontcourt size, a strategy Lawson noted as effective against a clear mismatch.

Narrow Victory Over Italy

The U.S. faced a tougher contest against Italy, ultimately securing a 55-52 win. Italy, led by Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini with 14 points and seven rebounds, outscored the U.S. in the second and third quarters. Team USA regained the lead in the final minutes of the fourth quarter to clinch the victory and top Group D.

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart highlighted the team's resilience, noting their limited time together. Coach Lawson acknowledged the performance against Italy fell below the team's usual standard but praised their ability to secure a win under pressure. This victory extended the U.S. team's undefeated streak in the FIBA World Cup, dating back to 2006.

Tournament Context and Outlook

The United States

The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup features 16 teams vying for the championship, with the final scheduled for September 13. The U.S. entered as a strong contender, having won the previous four tournaments. Their Group D opponents—China, Italy, and Czechia—all ranked among the top 20 globally, making the U.S. path to the final particularly demanding. The U.S. roster includes 12 WNBA players, with notable ties to the Metroplex through Paige Bueckers and Dallas Wings Head Coach Jose Fernandez, who serves as a team scout. The team's ability to navigate early challenges, such as China's formidable frontcourt and Italy's tenacious defense, underscores its depth and adaptability. Quarterfinal Path Ahead With group play concluded, Team USA awaits its quarterfinal opponent, with the next match scheduled for Thursday. The team's performance against Italy, while not dominant, demonstrated a capacity to win even when not at peak form—a crucial attribute in a high-stakes tournament. This resilience will face further tests as they advance into the knockout stages, where every game is a must-win scenario.

If the U.S. maintains its defensive intensity and offensive execution, particularly against physically imposing teams, it is well-positioned to contend for the championship. Conversely, if the team struggles with consistency or faces another opponent capable of disrupting their rhythm, as Italy did, their path to the final could become more precarious. The ability to adapt to diverse playing styles and maintain composure in tight situations will be key to their continued success in the tournament.