USA Women Draw Italy, China, Czech Republic in FIBA Cup

The U.S. women’s basketball team is set to compete in the FIBA World Cup, landing in Group D against China, Italy, and the Czech Republic as the tournament kicks off in Berlin this September.

This post breaks down the group draw, the format, and the likely rosters, all while offering a travel-inspired twist that ties in the Italian Riviera for fans who want to extend their sports pilgrimage into a Ligurian coastal adventure.

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Group D and the road to Berlin

The Americans will look to extend a dominant run at the World Cup, aiming for a fifth consecutive title after medaling in every edition since 2010.

The event runs from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin, with the WNBA pausing nearly three weeks to accommodate the competition.

The pool of teams reflects a growing global game, and Group D features a mix of power and challenge that will test depth and discipline.

Key matchups and competition format

Group D opponents: China, Italy, and the Czech Republic
Host city: Berlin
Date window: Sept. 4-13
Field size and format: 16 teams with group-stage play followed by knockout rounds
Advancement rules: Group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals; second- and third-place teams from each pool will compete for the remaining quarterfinal berths

Roster power and momentum

The U.S. roster could be a compelling blend of youth and experience, led by the potential emergence of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese alongside seasoned stars A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.

That trio helped secure qualification by winning a World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico, reinforcing the team’s depth heading into Berlin.

The comeback story from the 2022 World Cup gold medal game against China also adds a layer of anticipation for potential rematches in the 16-team format.

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Global field and other groups

FIBA expanded the field to 16 teams for this edition, a sign of the sport’s growth.

Beyond Group D, the tournament’s structure places emphasis on group winners securing direct passage to the quarterfinals, while the remaining places are decided through cross-pool play among runners-up and third-place teams.

Group A: Germany, Spain, Japan, Mali
Group B: France, Nigeria, South Korea, Hungary
Group C: Australia, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Turkey

Germany headlines Group A on home soil, adding a layer of local momentum as the tournament opens its doors to European fans and visiting supporters alike.

From Berlin to the Italian Riviera: a travel-inspired take

For basketball fans who crave a post-World Cup escape, the idea of pairing Berlin’s high-stakes games with a sun-soaked trip along Italy’s Riviera offers a compelling itinerary.

The Ligurian coast is a ribbon of coastlines and cliffside villages where you can unwind after days of competition, savoring seafood, ancient towns, and dramatic sea views between train hops along the coast.

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After Berlin’s buzzer, you could ride the mood of Italian hospitality from the emerald-blue Ligurian sea to the terraced villages that pepper the coast.

The Riviera di Levante and Riviera di Ponente boast a string of historic towns, port cities, and rugged promontories that invite slow travel, coastal walks, and gelato breaks named after sea breezes and sunset hues.

Eight Riviera towns to consider on your itinerary

Ventimiglia — gateway to the French Riviera and a morning market starting point for a coastal stroll
Sanremo — famed for flowers, music, and a long promenade along the marina
Imperia — palm-lined beaches and a picturesque old town perched above the Ligurian water
Alassio — sandy coves and a charming medieval center, perfect for a relaxed afternoon
Albenga — ancient walls and Roman ruins with a vibrant old-town atmosphere
Portofino — a postcard harbor and luxury dining, ideal for a day trip from the Cinque Terre coast
Rapallo — a slice of town-life with a scenic waterfront and nearby San Fruttuoso abbey
La Spezia — the gateway to the Cinque Terre, excellent for coastal hikes and seafood markets

Other noteworthy spots to weave in include Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, and Recco.

The five famed Cinque Terre villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

Also consider the rail-friendly towns of La Spezia and Portovenere.

Here is the source article for this story: US women to face China, Italy and the Czech Republic in September FIBA World Cup group play

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