Key Takeaways
- Team USA leads the FIBA Women’s World Cup, but its dominance is being tested.
- Hungary presents a tougher challenge than its underdog status suggests.
- France and Belgium are emerging as serious threats to another U.S. title.
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup has entered its decisive stage, with Team USA vs Hungary set for the quarterfinals in Berlin on September 10. The United States remains the tournament favorite and is three wins away from securing a fifth consecutive world cup title, but its path to another championship has become more challenging after a surprisingly close group-stage game against Italy.
The Americans are one of three teams that remained unbeaten through the group phase, alongside France and Belgium. The Team USA vs Hungary quarterfinal will test whether the Americans can regain their offensive rhythm against a bigger Hungarian lineup. Hungary, meanwhile, has already secured its best-ever finish at the Women’s World Cup by reaching the quarterfinals.
Team USA began its campaign with a commanding 94-61 victory over China before defeating Czechia 105-64. The team’s performance against Italy was considerably more difficult, however, as the United States escaped with a 55-52 victory.
The narrow win exposed some weaknesses in an otherwise deep American roster. Team USA shot only 29% from the field against Italy and scored just 55 points, its lowest total in a World Cup game since 1971. The Americans also finished with more turnovers than assists, allowing Italy to remain within striking distance until the final moments.
The United States is also competing without major stars A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, increasing the responsibility on players such as Breanna Stewart, Chelsea Gray, Napheesa Collier and Jackie Young. At the same time, the tournament marks World Cup debuts for Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, giving the team a combination of veteran experience and emerging talent.
Clark has already made an impact as a playmaker, ranking among the tournament leaders in assists with 6.3 per game. Bueckers has been particularly efficient from the field, while Stewart continues to provide production on both ends of the court.
FIBA Women’s World Cup: USA vs Hungary Quarterfinal Test
Hungary enters the quarterfinal after defeating Japan 84-63 in the qualification round. The result capped a strong tournament for a team making a historic appearance in the final eight.
Dorka Juhasz has emerged as Hungary’s leading player. The former UConn standout is averaging 15.3 points and 11 rebounds per game and will be central to Hungary’s attempt to challenge the American frontcourt. Her performance against Korea earlier in the tournament included 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Hungary’s progress is particularly notable given its recent international setbacks. The team missed the Paris 2024 Olympics and EuroBasket 2025, but a core group that has gained experience in European competition has now reached the biggest stage of the tournament.
For the United States, limiting Juhasz and controlling the rebounding battle will be important. Aliyah Boston could play a major role in that matchup, particularly with Hungary expected to rely on its size and interior presence.
Quarterfinals Set Up a Competitive Final Stage
The other quarterfinals feature France against China, Belgium against Germany, and Spain against Australia. France enters the knockout stage as one of the strongest teams in the competition after finishing the group phase unbeaten with a tournament-best +127 point differential. Gabby Williams has led France with 18.7 points per game.
Belgium has also emerged as a major contender after going unbeaten in group play, while Spain and Australia bring significant international experience into their quarterfinal matchup. Germany, meanwhile, advanced after defeating Korea 94-56 in the qualification round.
For Team USA, the immediate task in Team USA vs Hungary is to overcome Hungary, but the larger goal is another championship. The United States has not lost a World Cup game since the 2006 semifinals and will need to maintain that remarkable record to continue its pursuit of a fifth straight title.
The winner of USA-Hungary will meet the winner of Australia-Spain in the semifinals. With the knockout rounds now underway, every weakness carries greater consequences, and Team USA’s ability to improve its shooting and offensive consistency could determine whether it continues its historic run or faces its toughest World Cup challenge in two decades.
