EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBERLIN -- The quarterfinals are nearly set for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, with 10 teams still in the hunt for a spot on the podium in Germany this weekend.The United States, France and Belgium are the only countries still undefeated, though Italy tested the U.S. women in their second group game. The Americans eked out a 55-52 victory, their lowest-scoring World Cup performance since 1971.Those three teams, along with Spain (2-1), punched their tickets to Thursday's quarterfinals. On Tuesday, Hungary beat Japan and Germany topped Korea to also secure spots in the final eight. The next pair of berths will go to the winners of Wednesday's qualification showdowns between China-Puerto Rico and Australia-Italy.Here's what you need to know about how the United States has performed and how the rest of the field ranks as we turn the page to the knockout rounds.Jump to:AUS | BEL | CHN | FRA | GERHUN | ITA | PUR | ESP | USAPower Rankings | Team USA analysisIn what areas has Team USA been most impressive?As is the case with other U.S. women's teams, the depth of talent continues to stand out. Coach Kara Lawson has started the five returning senior team players -- Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young -- each game this tournament, meaning the likes of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston and Angel Reese are coming off the bench -- an enviable position to every other country in this event.Watching the United States at its best -- as ESPN colleague Michael Voepel put it during the 94-61 win over China -- is like watching a movie in which every role is played by an Oscar winner. And if the U.S. women are getting stops, getting out in transition, sharing the ball and making the opponent pay on the other end, it's world-class basketball.For the most part, each player on the roster has had some strong moments so far this tournament -- even after the vets struggled mightily most of the Italy game, they were the ones who made winning plays down the stretch to ensure the United States remained undefeated. The Young and Turnt crew don't always get everything perfect, but they have shown they belong. Having so many newcomers will pay dividends in the future in terms of experience, but Team USA will need them now to ensure the team goes home with a fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal.Where have the Americans struggled?The U.S. women aren't immune from defensive breakdowns, which isn't shocking given the team came together so last minute and chemistry is developing in real time. But the biggest concern is how the USA will generate offense when things don't come easily.It's unlikely the U.S. women will score 55 points and shoot below 30% from the field again this tournament (or maybe even this decade) as they did against Italy. But the performance was eerily reminiscent of the France game from the 2024 Olympics, another close call but with a gold medal on the line.The U.S. women's efficiency in this tournament has been much lower than we're used to seeing: 43.4%, ranking eighth, and a 29% accuracy from the 3-point arc (11th in the field) -- all while not generating a ton of looks from deep (23 per game).This is where not having A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum -- two players very capable of going to get a bucket -- really hurts. Which players, or what combinations, will create offense if things become stagnant?During TNT's FIBA World Cup studio show, three-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist Tina Charles said after the Italy game that she didn't see anyone pull Team USA together and essentially say, "Enough, get it together, let's end this now." With no Diana Taurasi or Wilson around, that's Stewart's or Gray's role moving forward, with their play on the court and in how they lead their teammates.World Cup Power Rankings1. United States (3-0)Current WNBA players:F/C Aliyah Boston, Indiana FeverG Paige Bueckers, Dallas WingsG Sonia Citron, Washington MysticsG Caitlin Clark, Indiana FeverF Napheesa Collier, Minnesota LynxF/G Kahleah Copper, Phoenix MercuryG Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas AcesG Rhyne Howard, Atlanta DreamF Kiki Iriafen, Washington MysticsF Angel Reese, Atlanta DreamF Breanna Stewart, New York LibertyG Jackie Young, Las Vegas AcesPre-tournament rank: 1Next opponent: Quarterfinals vs. Hungary (5:30 a.m. ET Thursday)How they've looked: The U.S. women are right where everyone expected them to be: undefeated and playing in the quarterfinals. But their path so far hasn't been without some struggles. Though two of the United States' group games -- victories over China and Czechia by 30-plus points each -- reflected the dominance we've come to expect, the 55-52 win against Italy neared catastrophe. It was Team USA's smallest margin of victory in the World Cup since 1979 and its first World Cup game decided by single digits since 2010.The U.S. women rebounded by scoring more first-half points against Czechia (57) than they totaled against Italy, and they hope to bring that momentum into the knockout rounds. Eight players are averaging at least six points, and no one is averaging more than 12 (Young is the team leader with 11.3 PPG).2. France (3-0)Current WNBA players:G Pauline Astier, New York LibertyF Valeriane Ayayi, Phoenix MercuryG Marine Johannes, New York LibertyG Leila Lacan, Connecticut SunG Carla Leite, Portland FireC Dominique Malonga, Seattle StormF Janelle Salaun, Golden State ValkyriesG Gabby Williams, Golden State ValkyriesOther notable players: C Marieme BadianePre-tournament rank: 2Next opponent: Quarterfinals vs. Wednesday's China-Puerto Rico winner (8:30 a.m. ET Thursday)How they've looked: France was considered the top challenger to U.S. entering the World Cup and still appears to be the biggest contender. In fact, the French have a strong argument to top this ranking, having outscored opponents by a tournament-best 127 points. Their defense gave the U.S. women fits at the Paris Olympics, but so far in Berlin, Les Bleues have scored at least 95 points each game, with dynamic duo Williams (the tournament's leading scorer with 18.7 PPG) and Johannes combining for 36 PPG.3. Belgium (3-0)Current WNBA players:G Julie Allemand, Toronto TempoC Kyara Linskens, Phoenix MercuryF Antonia Delaere, Minnesota LynxOther notable players: F Emma Meesseman, G Julie Vanloo, F Bethy MunungaPre-tournament rank: 4Next opponent: Quarterfinals vs. Germany (11:45 a.m. ET Thursday)How they've looked: Belgium predictably came out of Group C unscathed, winning each of its first three games by double figures. And just as expected, Meesseman has been one of the best players in the tournament, averaging 18.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.7 blocks. Belgium is the better team on paper, but Germany will be playing with extra pride and a boisterous home crowd behind it in the quarterfinals.4. Spain (2-1)Current WNBA players:G Elena Buenavida, Minnesota Lynx (developmental player)C Raquel Carrera, New York LibertyF Maria Conde, Toronto TempoC Megan DiLeo, Portland FireC Awa Fam, Seattle StormG Alicia Florez, Washington MysticsOther notable players: G Iyana Martin, G Maite CazorlaPre-tournament rank: 3Next opponent: Quarterfinals vs. Wednesday's Italy-Australia winner (2:45 p.m. ET Thursday)How they've looked: Spain looked poised to be one of the more exciting teams to take the court in Berlin but enters the quarterfinals with a 2-1 record after suffering a stunning loss to Mali in the second game of group play. The Spanish can still get to the podium for their fourth time in as many tournament appearances, but that kind of run would surely necessitate their young duo of Martin (17.3 PPG) and Fam (12.3 PPG) to play beyond their years in big moments.5. Australia (2-1)Current WNBA players:F Chloe Bibby, Minnesota LynxG Isobel Borlase, Atlanta DreamC Ezi Magbegor, Seattle StormG Jade Melbourne, Seattle StormF Alanna Smith, Dallas WingsG Miela Sowah, Golden State ValkyriesF Stephanie Talbot, Las Vegas AcesOther notable players: F Alex Fowler, G Alex WilsonPre-tournament rank: 7Next opponent: vs. Italy (2:45 p.m. ET Wednesday) in a must-win to advance to the quarterfinalsHow they've looked: It hasn't been the easiest ride for Sandy Brondello's team. Already missing Sami Whitcomb because of injury before the World Cup, Australia lost Smith 12 minutes into its first game in Berlin. She hasn't played since and her status for the knockout rounds is unknown. After taking care of Puerto Rico and Turkiye, the Australians kept up with Belgium (a 80-68 loss) but now have to go through a gritty Italy squad for a spot in the final eight.6. China (2-1)Current WNBA players:C Han Xu, New York LibertyPre-tournament rank: 6Next opponent: vs. Puerto Rico (11:45 p.m. ET Wednesday) in a must-win to advance to the quarterfinalsHow they've looked: The World Cup has been a roller coaster for China. The team was routed by the U.S. in its first game, nearly lost to Czechia the next time out before pulling away in overtime and then put together a convincing 20-point win over Italy to close group play. Assuming China gets past Puerto Rico, France is a tough matchup awaiting in the quarters. Han Xu has been their superstar, averaging 17.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists.7. Germany (3-1)Current WNBA players:F Frieda Buhner, Portland FireG Leonie Fiebich, New York LibertyC Luisa Geiselsoder, Portland FireF Nyara Sabally, Toronto TempoOther notable players: F Emily Bessoir, F Lina Sontag, C Marie Glich and G Alexis PetersonPre-tournament rank: 5Next opponent: Quarterfinals vs. Belgium (11:45 a.m. ET Thursday)How they've looked: After being trounced by Spain to open the tournament, Germany has won three straight, including Tuesday's clobbering of Korea to clinch a spot in the quarters. A quarterfinal appearance is a good step for a program appearing in only its second World Cup, but Germany is hoping it can capitalize on being a host and having a talented squad. Buhner has had a strong tournament, averaging a team-high 15.3 points.8. Hungary (3-1)Current WNBA players:F Dorka Juhsz, Minnesota LynxOther notable players: G Yvonne TurnerPre-tournament rank: 11Next opponent: Quarterfinals vs. United States (5:30 a.m. ET Thursday)How they've looked: It has been a memorable World Cup for Hungary, which is appearing in the event for the first time since 1998. The team was throttled by France to start the tournament but hasn't lost since on its way to the quarterfinals. Though Juhsz carried Hungary through group play with averages of 17 points and 12.3 rebounds, Reka Lelik was the team's star Tuesday, finishing with a game-high 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists against Japan.9. Italy (1-2)Current WNBA players:G Costanza Verona, Dallas Wings (developmental player)F Cecilia Zandalasini, Golden State ValkyriesOther notable players: F Lorela CubajPre-tournament rank: 8Next opponent: vs. Australia (2:45 p.m. ET Wednesday) in a must-win to advance to the quarterfinalsHow they've looked: Before Berlin, Italy hadn't appeared in either the World Cup or Olympics since 1996. But the Italians have already made a name for themselves by nearly taking down the United States behind their physicality, zone defense, passionate play and the efforts of Zandalasini. But Italy suffered a letdown the next day against China and now has the tall task of facing an Opals squad that as a program is much more experienced on the global stage.10. Puerto Rico (1-2)Current WNBA players: NoneOther notable players: G Arella Guirantes, C Imani McGee-StaffordPre-tournament rank: 16Next opponent: vs. China (11:45 p.m. ET Wednesday) in a must-win to advance to the quarterfinalsHow they've looked: Puerto Rico's sole win was by four points over Turkiye, but its losses to Australia and Belgium were both competitive. The team is led by a big three of McGree-Stafford (the top rebounder in the tournament with 13 boards per game), Guirantes and Trinity San Antonio, who combine to average 46.7 points. A win over China would give Puerto Rico consecutive appearances in the World Cup quarterfinals.
