The draw, featuring legends like Sue Bird and Dirk Nowitzki, has served up a mouth-watering "Group of Death" and several high-stakes continental rematches. Reigning champions, the United States, will begin their quest for a fifth consecutive title in a heavyweight Group D, while hosts Germany face a daunting task against Japan and Spain in Group A.
Road to the Gold: Full Group Stage Fixtures for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup
Group A: Germany, Spain, Japan, Mali
* September 4: Japan vs Mali
* September 4: Spain vs Germany
* September 5: Germany vs Japan
* September 5: Mali vs Spain
* September 7: Japan vs Spain
* September 7: Germany vs Mali
Group B: France, Nigeria, Republic of Korea, Hungary
* September 4: Hungary vs France
* September 4: Republic of Korea vs Nigeria
* September 5: Nigeria vs Hungary
* September 5: France vs Republic of Korea
* September 7: Hungary vs Republic of Korea
* September 7: Nigeria vs France
Group C: Australia, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Türkiye
* September 4: Belgium vs Türkiye
* September 4: Australia vs Puerto Rico
* September 6: Puerto Rico vs Belgium
* September 6: Türkiye vs Australia
* September 7: Belgium vs Australia
* September 7: Puerto Rico vs Türkiye
Group D: USA, China, Italy, Czechia
* September 4: USA vs China
* September 4: Italy vs Czechia
* September 6: Czechia vs USA
* September 6: China vs Italy
* September 7: USA vs Italy
* September 7: China vs Czechia
The Path to the Podium: Knockout Phase Schedule
After the group stage concludes on September 7, the top three teams from each group will advance. The first-placed teams earn a direct ticket to the Quarter-Finals, while the second and third-placed teams must battle through a "Qualification to Quarter-Finals" round.
* September 9: Qualification to Quarter-Finals (Single-elimination cross-over matches)
* September 10: Quarter-Finals (Featuring the group winners)
* September 12: Semi-Finals (16:30 & 20:00 local time)
* September 13: Third-Place Game (16:30)
* September 13: FIBA World Cup Final (20:00)
Hoops in High Gear: Why the 2026 Berlin World Cup is a Must-Watch Event
The Heavyweights Collide Early
Group D is the talk of the tournament. In a stunning twist of the draw, fans will see a rematch of the 2022 Final on the very first day as the USA takes on China. With Italy and Czechia also in the mix, every possession in Group D will feel like a playoff game.
African Pride: Nigeria’s Toughest Test
Fresh off their AfroBasket dominance, Nigeria’s D’Tigress face a tactical nightmare in Group B. Their clash against Olympic silver medalists France on September 7 is already being circled as one of the most anticipated physical battles of the opening round.
A New Format for a New Era
Expanding to 16 teams means more talent and more drama. The addition of the "Qualification to Quarter-Finals" round on September 9 ensures that even teams who start slow have a lifeline, provided they can survive a do-or-die elimination game.
Berlin: The Global Basketball Hub
Games will be split between the Max-Schmeling-Halle and the Berlin Arena. With Germany’s own Leonie Fiebich and Satou Sabally leading the hosts, the atmosphere in Berlin is expected to break attendance records.
Are you ready for the tip-off? Bookmark this page and stay tuned as we bring you live updates, player interviews, and expert analysis throughout the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup!