Overview
- FIBA finalized the World Cup draw, placing Team USA in Group D with China, Italy and the Czech Republic for the Sept. 4–13 tournament in Berlin.
- The event returns to 16 teams after 2022 featured 12, which FIBA leaders said better matches today’s level of global competition.
- Group winners advance straight to the quarterfinals, while second- and third-place teams meet in play-in games to claim the remaining spots.
- Team USA enters as the favorite pursuing a fifth straight title and 12th overall after a 5–0 qualifying run under coach Kara Lawson.
- The WNBA will pause for nearly three weeks to let its players compete, giving stars more recovery time and national teams more practice together.