The FIBA Girls’s Basketball World Cup is again in enterprise, with Berlin, Germany, internet hosting the match. After 4 years, nations internationally compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals, and the chance to be named world champions. It kicked off on September 4, 2026, with Australia defeating Puerto Rico, and Japan scraping by with a win over Mali, setting the stage for the extent of competitors that adopted.
How is the Event Formatted?
For the primary time since 2018, 16 groups compete for the gold medal. These groups are divided into 4 teams, the place every nation performs each different workforce in its group as soon as. The group winner advances to the quarterfinals, whereas the second- and third-place nations face one another in a single-elimination match for the ultimate 4 spots. From this level ahead, it’s “win or go house,” making each match a hurdle you have to clear to remain within the struggle for the title.
This 12 months, the group stage winners, Spain, France, Belgium, and the USA, superior to the quarterfinals. After profitable their single-elimination matches, Germany, Hungary, Australia, and China secured the ultimate 4 spots.
Staff USA secured its spot within the last by defeating Spain 76-66, and France adopted go well with in an 86-64 victory over Germany. The stage was now set: Staff USA or France- just one workforce could be world champions.
Nearer Take a look at the USA Squad
Head coach Kara Lawson carried a 12-player roster starting from USA veterans reminiscent of Breanna Stewart, Chelsea Grey, and Napheesa Collier to star youth gamers Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese.
Lawson selected to start out the veteran gamers and have the youth gamers come off the bench, and whereas that proved itself as USA climbed to the highest, some followers couldn’t assist however really feel disenchanted that Clark wasn’t beginning. When requested about Clark’s likelihood of beginning, Lawson responded, “I like the place we’re proper now.”
Sticking with this lineup proved the precise transfer as Staff USA stepped into the gold medal match.
The Gold Medal Match
Staff USA’s beginning lineup: Grey, Copper, Younger, Collier, Stewart
France’s beginning lineup: Williams, Malonga, Salaun, Johannès, Ayayi
On September 13, Staff USA and France took the stage to struggle for the championship title. Within the last of a match the place Staff USA was favored to win, they rallied after reaching a 14-point deficit for a 97-79 victory. Breanna Stewart earned MYP honors for her 22-point, 10-rebound double-double. Jackie Younger was exceptional on this match with 18 factors, six rebounds, and 5 assists, incomes “Participant of the Recreation”.
France walked away with silver and an excellent efficiency of their very own. Most notably, 20-year-old Dominque Malonga scored 21 factors and had six rebounds.
Not solely did Staff USA win gold, however historical past was made, as this was their fifth consecutive FIBA Basketball World Cup win.
