FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament Overview

The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament is set to take place from March 11-17, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The U.S. women’s national basketball team, featuring notable athletes such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Kelsey Plum, and Paige Bueckers, aims to secure a spot in the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup scheduled for September 2026 in Berlin. The team will compete in a round-robin format against Puerto Rico, Senegal, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain.

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For the first time in U.S. broadcasting history, women's World Cup basketball will receive a prime television slot due to a new rights agreement between FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball) and TNT Sports. This multiyear deal grants TNT Sports exclusive U.S. English language rights for major tournaments, including the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026. Fans can watch the qualifying games on TNT, TBS, and truTV, with additional coverage available on HBO Max. For those without cable, live streaming options include DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV, both of which offer free trial periods.

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The U.S. roster for the qualifiers includes a mix of seasoned players and newcomers. Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese are making their senior national team debuts. Other key players include WNBA all-stars Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young, as well as Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard, who recently earned a bronze medal in 3×3 basketball at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The team is coming off a successful run, having won the gold medal at the 2022 Women’s World Cup against China and at the 2024 Paris Olympics against France.

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While the excitement around the tournament is palpable, some critics have raised concerns regarding the representation and visibility of women's sports in media. Despite the new broadcasting deal, there are ongoing discussions about whether the coverage will adequately reflect the growing popularity and competitiveness of women's basketball.

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FIBA has expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with TNT Sports, emphasizing the importance of expanding the reach of women's basketball. The organization aims to enhance the visibility of the sport and attract a broader audience through this agreement.

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As the tournament approaches, the U.S. women's national team will focus on their preparation and strategy to ensure qualification for the World Cup in Berlin. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the performances of the team during the qualifiers, which will set the stage for their upcoming international competitions.

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