USA's superstar new generation has big boots to fill
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USA's last-gasp reshuffle has set up a fascinating FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026. The 11-time champions – who haven't lost a tournament game since 2006 – were thrown into a tailspin by the withdrawals of four-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum just days before tip-off, and will therefore need to calibrate on the fly in Berlin.
Although they're still the title favourites, everything depends on coach Kara Lawson and two-time WNBA MVP-winning veteran Breanna Stewart being able to coax the best out of superstar World Cup debutants Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese on the international stage.
The changing of the USA guard wouldn't feel quite so perilous if France, Spain and Belgium hadn't looked so impressive. Les Bleues were a buzzer-beater away from pipping USA to Olympic glory two years ago, an experience that should serve as fresh motivation for Gabby Williams and Valeriane Ayayi.
Before inexplicably failing to qualify for Sydney 2022, Spain won silverware at three consecutive editions of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, while Belgium made the final four at the Olympics and have won back-to-back EuroBasket titles behind Emma Meesseman. Australia's hopes, however, have been dented by an injury to their two-time WNBA-winning captain Sami Whitcomb.
Here's how to watch FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 from anywhere in the world. We've also listed the schedule and recent champions below.
Yes. Free Women's Basketball World Cup coverage is available in Spain via RTVE Play, Italy via Rai Play, Belgium via RTBF Auvio and Germany via ProSieben.
In each case, only the national team's fixtures and marquee games are being shown.
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FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 coverage is being provided by TNT, TruTV and HBO Max in the US.
HBO Max, which is live streaming every game, starts at $18.49/month or $184.99/year for a plan that carries live sports, but you can bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for $19.99/month.
Alternatively, 17 of the 36 Women's Basketball World Cup games will be shown between TNT and TruTV, which are available through Sling – specifically the Blue plan, which starts at $45.99/month. It includes ABC, NBC and Fox in select locations, plus FS1, USA Network, FX and more.
