From September 4 to 13, the German capital will become the epicenter of women’s basketball.
Find out what to expect from the tournament featuring the world’s best national teams in the 1xBet review.
Team USA – clear favorite
The Americans won the last four World Cups and will be looking to extend their dominant run. The roster is packed with WNBA stars who can maintain a blistering pace for all 40 minutes. Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, and the rest of the squad can’t afford to drop a single game. Stopping this basketball machine seems almost impossible.
Who can challenge them?
China claimed silver at the last World Cup and won the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2023. The team could gain a significant advantage in the paint thanks to 220 cm-tall young Zhang Ziyu. China relies on tough defense and looks to push the pace in transition. Just as four years ago, it is drawn in the same group as the U.S., which could help avoid an early clash with the favorite in the knockout stage.
Australia won the most recent FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and took bronze at the World Cup 2022. Its roster is packed with experienced athletes. One player to watch is Alex Fowler, Asia Cup 2025 MVP and a forward for the New York Liberty. The 25-year-old is in her first season in the world’s top league but has already shown she can score at this level despite playing on a star-studded team. The World Cup is the perfect opportunity to establish herself as one of Australia’s key players.
Belgium won the last two European Championships. The team outgrew its status as a mid-tier contender, finishing fourth and fifth at the last two World Cups. Time to take the trophy? With superb ball movement and Emma Meesseman’s leadership, a podium finish looks within reach. At its best, Belgium can beat anyone.
Dark horses
Germany, the tournament host, could pull off a major upset with a passionate home crowd behind. Satou Sabally’s presence makes it a dangerous underdog capable of surprising any opponent. The main question is whether the rest of the team can provide enough support for their leader.
France heads to Berlin hoping to replicate its performance at the home Olympics and reach the final once again. Surprisingly, it won just one World Cup medal, finishing third back in 1953. The team could struggle in the paint without Iliana Rupert, as the Golden State Valkyries center is expecting a baby. However, France has plenty of shooting talent, while its depth allows the team to maintain a high tempo throughout the game.
How tournament will unfold
Sixteen teams will compete at the World Cup, divided into four groups. The group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the teams finishing second and third face off for the remaining spots. From there, it’s a standard knockout format all the way to the final, where the new world champion will be crowned.
The year’s biggest basketball event is ready to deliver plenty of unforgettable moments. And there’s no better way to follow the action than with FIBA’s official partner – the reliable bookmaker 1xBet!
