The FIBA World Cup will tip off in Berlin on September 4. For the first stage of the tournament, the 16 teams are divided into four groups. Group A features Japan, Spain, Germany, and Mali, while Hungary, Korea, Nigeria, and France will battle in Group B. Belgium, Australia, Puerto Rico, and Türkiye make up Group C. Last but not least, the USA, Czechia, Italy, and China are in Group D.
While a matchup between the two heavyweights, the U.S. and France, will have to wait, the group phase will feature plenty of fascinating games for WNBA fans and anyone who just loves to see good basketball.
USA vs. China, September 4
This game will offer a first look at newcomers Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen on the international stage—and it will be against a strong opponent right off the bat. With Han Xu, Li Yueru, and Ziyu Zhang, China has a massive frontcourt. The U.S. will be without A’ja Wilson, so that trio could cause some trouble. Moreover, Ziyu Zhang is a name WNBA fans should know. The 7’3” teenager could shake up the 2027 WNBA Draft.
Hungary vs. France, September 4
France’s first group-stage game will give Team USA fans a first look at their biggest challenger. Between Gabby Williams, Dominique Malonga, Carla Leite, Marine Johannes, Valeriana Ayayi, Pauline Astier, Leila Lacan, and Janelle Salaün, France has plenty of WNBA talent to rival Team USA—and a one-point loss at the Olympics to avenge.
Spain vs. Germany, September 4
As sad as it is that Satou Sabally has to miss the World Cup in her home country, this should be an exciting matchup. Both teams feature strong WNBA talent and rising stars, like Awa Fam, Frieda Bühner, and Iyana Martin, who is yet to make her debut with the Portland Fire after going seventh in this year’s draft. It should be a competitive game, as Germany tries to defend its home court and get revenge for a 19-point loss during last year’s EuroBasket tournament.
Italy vs. USA, September 6
Team USA will face Italy in its second game of the group phase. While Italy is a very different team than China, it will be interesting to see how Clark, Bueckers, Reese, Citron, and Iriafen look after a first taste of World Cup play. Plus, between Clark, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Citron, Kahleah Copper, Bueckers, and Jackie Young on one side and Cecilia Zandalasini on the other, there’s plenty of potential for awe-inspiring 3-pointers, and that’s always fun to watch.
France vs. Nigeria, September 7
Nigeria has been the darling of international women’s basketball ever since it became the first African team to reach the Olympic quarterfinals with wins over Australia and Canada in 2024. They faced the U.S. in the quarterfinals. While Nigeria lost, the team put up a good fight. Facing France on the World Cup stage will give Nigeria a chance to remind everyone of that impressive Olympic run. France is the overwhelming favorite, but there is great story potential here.
Belgium vs. Australia, September 7
Belgium and Australia are the two heavyweights in Group C. Australia finished third at the Paris Olympics and Belgium won the last two EuroBasket titles. Between Ezi Magbegor, Alanna Smith, Isobel Borlase, Jade Melbourne, Emma Meesseman, and Julie Allemand, this game will feature a ton of players WNBA fans are familiar with and just all-around great basketball.
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