Full Breakdown
FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Final Phase Schedule Confirmed
9/9/2026, 6:04:51 AM
Final-Phase Pairings and Schedule
The knockout-stage match-ups for the 2026 tournament have been set following the group-phase in Berlin. The qualification games for the quarter-finals are scheduled for September 8 and September 9. On September 9, Puerto Rico defeated China, earning a spot against France. The other pairings are:
- Hungary vs. Japan – the winner meets the United States in the quarter-finals.
- Germany vs. South Korea – the victor will face Belgium.
- Italy vs. Australia – the winner advances to play Spain.
All knockout games will be hosted at Berlin Arena, with the group stage also held at Max-Schmeling-Halle.
Group-Stage Outcomes Shaping the Bracket
Group play concluded with the United States topping Group D after a 105-64 victory over Czechia, completing a 3-0 sweep. Other group winners include Japan, Spain, Germany, South Korea, France, Belgium, Australia, Puerto Rico, Italy and China. These results determine the opponents listed above and set the path toward the semifinals and championship game.
Team USA’s Performance and Odds
Team USA entered the knockout stage on a historic run: a 33-game World Cup winning streak dating back to 2006. Key contributors are Breanna Stewart (10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds per game), Jackie Young (11.3 points per game), Caitlin Clark (6.3 assists per game), Paige Bueckers (1.3 blocks per game) and Rhyne Howard (1.7 steals per game). Betting markets list the United States as a –500 favorite, with France (+600), Belgium (+1400), Spain (+2000) and Australia (+2800) as the next most-favored teams (BetMGM, USA Today).
Official Statements & Responses
FIBA confirmed that Berlin Arena will host all knockout-round contests, while Max-Schmeling-Halle will remain in use for the group phase. Team USA coach Kara Lawson highlighted the importance of rookie point guard Caitlin Clark, noting her playmaking role and low turnover rate in the opening game.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We rely on her at the point guard position when she's in, to run the team. We saw that in the first game when she had 11 assists and zero turnovers.” — Kara Lawson, team USA coach — Kara Lawson, team USA coach
