BERLIN (Germany) - With the draw for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 now complete, it's time to scan for the very best games of the group stage in Berlin.
With 24 encounters during the opening phase due to the expansion of the field to 16 teams for this year's edition, there's so much to look forward to.
While all of the action is not to be missed in the German capital, we've somehow managed to pick out six of the best that need to be at the very top of your watch-list!
Spain vs Germany (Group A)
Date: September 4, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Spain 6th, Germany 11th It's always special when the hosts step out for their first game and on the opening night of the competition and they could barely have a more exciting contest than against fellow European nation Spain. It sees them meet less than 18 months after Germany faced their rivals in the role of co-hosts at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025.
Spain cruised to the win in that one, but this is likely to be a monumental matchup this time around. Germany will be looking to the likes of Leonie Fiebich, the in-form Frieda Buhner, Luisa Geiselsoder and the Sabally sisters to inspire them, while Spain's new generation are making a splash, not least Awa Fam and Iyana Martin.
USA vs China (Group D)
Date: September 4, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: USA 1st, China 4th It's a seriously cool quirk of this draw that on the first day of action we will get a repeat of the very last game of Sydney 2022 when Finalists USA and China go back up against each other. Plenty has changed since then, with both teams not only relying on their superstar players such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Xu Han and Yueru Li.
They are both likely to bring their new generation of exciting ballers too, who we all got to enjoy at the Qualifying Tournaments. USA could have the backcourt combo of Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark again which will be fascinating to watch against a tough China side, who boast a marquee rising star in giant center Ziyu Zhang.
Germany vs Japan (Group A)
Date: September 5, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Germany 11th, Japan 10th Underlining the [potential brilliance of Group A, straight after that opening matchup with Spain, the home fans in Berlin will be absolutely loving the prospect of a clash of styles against Japan in a one of the most intriguing games of the opening phase. With their frontcourt depth, Germany have a rotation as good as anyone in the paint.
But it might be experienced playmaker Alexis Peterson who's most important against the rapid quick Japan guards who will be engaging in their usual transition offense and looking to make it rain from long-range. That includes 20 year-old sensation Kokoro Tanaka, as well as Mai Yamamoto who impressed in the Qualifying Tournaments.
Hungary vs Korea (Group B)
Date: September 7, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Hungary 19th, Korea 15th This is the ultimate 'wild card game' since neither are necessarily expected to make a push into the latter stages, but this could end up being a clash that keeps their respective hopes alive. Plus, both really punched above their weight in their respective Qualifying Tournaments and deserve respect and recognition for that.
Hungary survived and escaped from the 'Group of Death', leaning on their outstanding center Dorka Juhasz who has since been crowned EuroLeague Women MVP. Meanwhile Korea managed to topple reigning African champions Nigeria in Lyon-Villeurbanne and have the brilliant shooting skills of Leeseul Kang to rely on.
Nigeria vs France (Group B)
Date: September 7, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Nigeria 8th, France 2nd The feeling will be intense after a highly entertaining battle at the Qualifying Tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne. France came out as winners but didn't have it all their own way in an absorbing game. France will be big favorites and especially after moving to 2nd place in the FIBA World Ranking Women, presented by NIKE. They have a star-laden roster with the likes of Marine Johannes, Gabby Williams, Iliana Rupert and Dominique Malonga.
But Nigeria showed at Paris 2024 they can be a force and have beaten their opponents previously at the world level. The FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025 winners have a super playcaller in Rene Wakama and huge competition for places now. With their mix of skills and a formidable physical presence, a relative upset could be in store.
Belgium vs Australia (Group C)
Date: September 7, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Belgium 5th, Australia 3rd Have we saved the best until last? This could be an all-important group decider and pitches the FIBA Women's EuroBasket champions against the FIBA Women's Asia Cup winners. It's also their first meeting on the global stage since that memorable bronze medal game between the teams at Paris 2024. And, that was an absolute epic.
While the Cats having flown high in Wuhan during the Qualifying Tournament when the likes of Emma Meesseman, Julie Allemand and Julie Vanloo all excelled, Australia were imperious in that tough, tough Istanbul pool of teams. They went unbeaten with a super team performance, led by Alanna Smith and Sami Whitcomb.
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