Everything you need to know about the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022

18/09/2022

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Everything you need to know about the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022

SYDNEY (Australia) - It's go-time for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup and here is everything you need to know about the event in Sydney, including a group-by-group analysis.

What is needed to win gold, what else is at stake?

The tournament takes place between September 22 and October 1, with a total of 12 nations competing in two groups and trying to make it to the knockout stages. The Quarter-Finals pairings will be determined by a draw during the competition, with the podium eventually being determined on the last day of the tournament . Check out the Competition System.

A direct ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics is also on offer for whichever team is crowned the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 champions. There are also important FIBA World Ranking Presented by NIKE points to be earned by every team playing in the competition.

Reigning champions USA have dominated the competition through its history

What is the history of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup?

This is the 19th edition of the flagship competition which has been in existence since 1953. Only four different nations have ever celebrated a title triumph, with the USA having won a phenomenal 10 titles. Soviet Union are next with 5 to their name, having also recorded the longest streak by winning them all consecutively between 1959 and 1975. The only other winners are Brazil and Australia in 1994 and 2006 respectively. You can also see the All-Time Medalists here.

By the Numbers: #FIBAWWC facts, figures and the stories behind them is something to check out HERE as this takes a look at some different and interesting angles around the tournament and its rich history.

Our Expert Panel have also explained who they think will go home early and who is going to light it up at the tournament. You can check out their predictions HERE.

Group A - Belgium, China, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Puerto Rico, Korea, USA

Will China and Belgium end up fighting it out for second spot behind USA?

Favorites: Reigning champs USA will be overwhelming favorites considering they are currently on a 22 game winning streak in this competition. Their talent and depth is way deep, although they don't have quite as much experience as they did at previous editions. China or Belgium are likely to fight it out for second place if everything goes according to form and expectations.

Underdogs: Korea has not won a game since 2010 and are without inspirational leader JiSu Park so could find it tough. The same can be said of Puerto Rico, who lost all three games on their debut in 2018 and similarly failed to dig out a victory at the Olympic Games last year.

Emma Meesseman made the All-Star Five in 2018 along with Breann Stewart, can they repeat that feat?

Ballers To Watch: Emma Meesseman (BEL), Yueru Li (CHN), Jonquel Jones (BIH), Arella Guirantes (PUR), Danbi Kim (KOR), Breanna Stewart (USA)

'X-Factor' Players: Hind Ben Abdelkader (BEL), Sijing Huang (CHN), Nikolina Knezevic (BIH), Jennifer O'Neill (PUR), Jihyun Park (KOR), Sabrina Ionescu (USA)

Young Guns: Maxuella Lisowa-Mbaka (BEL), Yeeun-Heo (KOR)

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	ZONE RANK	IOC	CURRENT POINTS	+/- RANK *
1.	USA	1.	USA	823.9	0
5.	Belgium	2.	BEL	651.2	+1
7.	China	2.	CHN	631.8	0
13.	Korea	4.	KOR	431.3	+1
17.	Puerto Rico	4.	PUR	379.8	+1
26.	Bosnia and Herzegovina	17.	BIH	284.5	+1

Group B - France, Serbia, Japan, Mali, Canada, Australia

Is Japan able to continue the momentum of their run to the Olympic Final and 5th Asian title in a row last year?

Favorites: Take your pick because all options are pretty much feasible in what has been labelled as 'The Group of Death; since the draw was made. However, Japan has to be a frontrunner on the basis that they are the Asian champions and made the Olympic Final last year. Similarly, Australia will have home support behind them, look well stacked with options and will be hard to beat.

Underdogs: The universal consensus seems to be that there is only one underdog in this group and that is Mali. They are out to try and be competitive. Whether they can cause an upset - or two , remains to be seen, but they did show glimpses of being able to do so at the Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

All eyes will be on Sika Kone who despite her young age, will be the centerpiece for underdogs Mali

Ballers To Watch: Gabby Williams (FRA), Yvonne Anderson (SRB), Ramu Tokashiki (JPN), Sika Kone (MLI), Natalie Achonwa (CAN), Ezi Magbegor (AUS)

'X-Factor' Players: Marine Johannes (FRA), Jovana Nogic (SRB), Monica Okoye (JPN), Touty Gandega (MLI), Bridget Carelton (CAN), Lauren Jackson (AUS)

Young Guns: Iliana Rupert (FRA), Marine Fauthoux (FRA), Aika Hirashita (JPN), Maimouna Haidara (MLI), Laeticia Amihere (CAN)