WITH A TRIP TO THE QUARTERFINALS ON THE LINE, WHO WILL ADVANCE TO TAKE ON SPAIN?

The qualifying game for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup commences today, with the final two games before we lock in the Top 8 teams.

Already through are the teams that gained an automatic bye:

Joining them are two more after Tuesday’s results:

The final two teams will punch their ticket today!

Puerto Rico will look to take down China, while Italy seeks an upset over Australia. The latter is our pick for the MUST-WATCH game.

Here’s what’s on the line for the 2:30 match

Players to Watch:

Cecilia Zandalasini leads Italy with 15 points per game in three games. The Golden State Valkyries guard dropped a personal tournament-high 19 points in Italia’s first game against China.

She’s proving to be a Level 3 scorer with plenty of sandpaper throughout this tournament!

Once again, the Opals are relying on Ezi Magbegor, who leads Australia with 15.7 points per game. What not enough people are talking about is Steph Talbot being second in scoring (14.7 PPG) and leading in efficiency and steals.

Both players will be key, especially with the news that Alanna Smith is out for the remainder of the tournament. The Aussies will play with 11 for the remainder of their run.

Keys to the Game: PACE & POISE

With Australia short one sub, if I were Italy, I would push the pace. Italy is long and lean, and can shoot from the perimeter very well. Matilde Villa is an aggressive driver. If she slashes towards the rim, she can drive & kick or taunt the Opals into fouls.

Australia has a better three-point percentage and fewer fouls than Italy. If Australia can stay locked in – I think they drift in and out – they might be able to frustrate Italy.

The teams are quite similar, but are opposites when stuck in the mud. Australia tends to retreat inward, while Italy explodes.

The team that sets the tone and remains level-headed will win this high-stakes game.

Here’s what you need to know today:

‼️FIBA World Cup Field Guide - Volume 7
The WBB Roundup World Cup Field Guide — For Subscribers!

🏀 Can Sabrina Ionescu make a case for LA28?
Sabrina Ionescu wasn't in Berlin. Here's her path back to LA28.

📰 What we’re reading
Some great writing that’s come across our desks.

We built something for Berlin.

Berlin 2026: The WBB Roundup World Cup Field Guide is a living, updatable tracker covering every team, every game, and every storyline heading into the FIBA Women's World Cup — September 4–13 in Germany.

16 nations. 36 games. One trophy. USA chasing a five-peat.

Here's what's inside:

We're updating it before every edition — twice weekly — through the final whistle on September 13.

⏬ Subscribe & Access the FIBA Guide ⏬

She was on the Paris 2024 gold medal team. She was healthy going into this summer. She is not in Berlin.

When asked about it on August 8 in Brooklyn, Ionescu said: "It is what it is."

Breanna Stewart said she was surprised — and then said something that matters more: "She'll be back."

On Monday's episode of Gotta Get Up!, Brian & I broke down what that path actually looks like. The answer isn't simple.

The backcourt competition is getting younger, faster, and more crowded. And the structural questions we raised may be the most important ones of all: it's not just about whether Ionescu is good enough. It's about where she fits.

For more analysis on Sab’s fit, including her USAB career stats and who is the point guard of the future, read the full article on the Black Rosie Media website:

If video podcasts are more your thing, subscribe to Gotta Get Up! A Podcast for New York Liberty Fans on YouTube and wherever you get audio podcasts.

On the latest episode, we recap the FIBA Women’s World Cup through the performance of the New York Liberty’s six participants. In addition to the Ionescu Snub conversation, we also pick our five USA players we want on the court during clutch time.

Brian & I agreed on most players, but the last spot was hard for me.

Who would YOU pick as your five to get you a win with a gold medal on the line?

At Black Rosie Media, we love to give flowers to other writers and creators in the women’s basketball community.

Here’s what we’re reading:

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