The 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup knockout phase is set to begin in Berlin, where eight teams will battle for a place in the final four. The host city will serve as the stage for high‑stakes matchups that could reshape the tournament’s narrative.
USA Basketball has secured its quarterfinal spot after a flawless Group D run that saw Breanna Stewart and a revamped roster extend a near‑70‑game winning streak across Olympic and World Cup competition, highlighted by victories over China, Italy and Czechia.
With the United States now awaiting the outcome of the Hungary‑Japan play‑in, the quarterfinal slate features blockbuster matchups: the reigning champions will meet the winner of that game on September 10, while the top seeds Belgium, France and Spain received direct byes into the knockout round.
Historic and Emerging Contenders
Germany, still searching for its first ever World Cup quarterfinal appearance, will host South Korea on September 8, while Puerto Rico takes on China in a clash that recalls China’s 2022 final run. Italy and Australia are slated to contest a game that could see the Aussies claim a fourth straight podium, and Hungary, absent from the elite eight for four decades, makes its debut in the knockout stage after overcoming a long‑standing barrier.
All knockout‑stage contests will be televised on TNT Sports and HBO Max, with the opening fixture Hungary versus Japan set for September 8 at 11:45 AM ET, followed by Germany‑South Korea at 2:45 PM ET, and Puerto Rico‑China on September 9 at 11:45 AM ET, culminating with Italy‑Australia at 2:45 PM ET on the same day.
The tournament’s schedule promises high‑stakes drama as underdogs seek to upset traditional powers, and the broadcast partnership ensures global coverage for fans across continents.