USA and Italy Face Off in FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament

The FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament is underway in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 11-17, 2026. The United States and Italy are among the teams competing for a spot in the main event, which will be held in Berlin from September 4-13, 2026.

Tournament Overview

Five teams – Germany (host nation), Australia, Belgium, Nigeria, and the United States – have already secured their places in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup by winning their respective continental titles in 2025. The qualifying tournament in San Juan will determine the remaining 11 teams that will participate in the World Cup.

Group Play

The USA is competing in Group A alongside Puerto Rico, Senegal, Italy, Spain, and New Zealand. Teams must finish in the top three of their group to qualify for the World Cup, alongside Germany and the winner of the Continental Cup.

Italy’s Schedule and Preparation

Italy began their qualifying campaign on March 11th against the host nation, Puerto Rico. Their remaining schedule is as follows:

• March 12: New Zealand vs. Italy (5:00 pm local time / 10:00 pm Italian time)
• March 14: United States vs. Italy (5:00 pm local time / 10:00 pm Italian time)
• March 15: Italy vs. Spain (5:00 pm local time / 10:00 pm Italian time)
• March 17: Senegal vs. Italy (2:00 pm local time / 7:00 pm Italian time)

Coach Capobianco emphasized the challenges of the tournament, noting the short timeframe and the need to maintain focus and adhere to the game plan despite potential setbacks. The tournament consists of five high-level matches in seven days.

USA Roster and Key Players

The USA team features 2024 Olympic Gold medalists Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese are making their senior national team debuts.

USA’s Schedule in Group A

Here is the USA’s schedule for the group phase:

• March 11: USA vs. Senegal (4:45 p.m. ET)
• March 12: Puerto Rico vs. USA (7:45 p.m. ET)
• March 14: USA vs. Italy (4:45 p.m. ET)
• March 15: New Zealand vs. USA (1:45 p.m. ET)
• March 17: Spain vs. USA (4:45 p.m. ET)

Where to Watch

Games are being broadcast on truTV and TNT, and streamed on DIRECTV and HBO Max.

Puerto Rico’s Team

Puerto Rico closed the 2025 Women’s AmeriCup with a 4-3 record. Key player Arella Guirantes, who played for Schio in the 2023/24 season, averaged 17.0 points during the 2025 Women’s AmeriCup. Imani McGee-Stafford, a center with ties to NBA players, also features on the Puerto Rican team.