2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup: What To Watch on Day Two After Spain Blow Away Germany, Italy Make History as Nigeria, Mali Lose on Opening Day
Spain made a strong statement at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup with a commanding victory over hosts Germany, while Italy marked its return to the global stage with a historic win on an action-packed opening day.
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup tipped off in Berlin, Germany, on Friday, with eight games producing impressive performances, significant talking points and early indications of the contenders’ strength.
Spain recorded one of the most notable results of the opening day, securing an emphatic 83–53 victory over host nation Germany.
The Spaniards controlled the game from the opening quarter, establishing a 24–10 lead before extending their advantage to 26 points by halftime.
Elsewhere, Italy celebrated a historic return to the Women’s World Cup by defeating Czechia 63–54.
The victory was Italy’s first at the World Cup since 1994, with Cecilia Zandalasini leading the team with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists.
In Group B, Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered an 81–99 defeat to South Korea despite remaining competitive for three quarters.
Amy Okonkwo led Nigeria with 22 points, while Murjanatu Musa contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds. South Korea, however, pulled away in the final quarter to secure the victory.
France also made a strong opening statement, defeating Hungary 99–53, while the United States began its title defence with a commanding 94–61 victory over China.
Caitlin Clark marked her World Cup debut with 14 points and 11 assists for the defending champions.
Japan prevailed in a thrilling contest against Mali, winning 102–97, with Saki Hayashi producing an outstanding performance that included nine three-pointers.
Australia defeated Puerto Rico 70–54, while Belgium recovered from an early deficit to beat Türkiye 89–75 after a dominant third quarter.
FIBA Women’s World Cup: Today’s Fixtures
Attention now turns to Saturday, September 5, with four group-stage matches scheduled in Berlin. FIBA’s official schedule confirms the following fixtures.
Mali vs Spain — Group A
Time: 12:15pm
Mali will look to recover from its narrow 97–102 defeat to Japan when it faces Spain, one of the most impressive teams from the opening day.
Spain, meanwhile, will seek another victory after defeating hosts Germany 83–53.
Nigeria vs Hungary — Group B
Time: 3:15pm
D’Tigress face Hungary in a crucial encounter after their 99–81 defeat to South Korea.
Nigeria must regroup quickly against a Hungarian side that also suffered a heavy opening-day defeat to France.
The game represents an important opportunity for Rena Wakama’s team to revive its campaign. D’Tigress have already expressed their determination to respond positively to the defeat by South Korea.
Germany vs Japan — Group A
Time: 5:00pm
Hosts Germany return to action against Japan following their disappointing 53–83 defeat to Spain.
Japan, meanwhile, will enter the contest with confidence after edging Mali 102–97 in a high-scoring opening encounter.
France vs South Korea — Group B
Time: 7:45pm
France and South Korea meet in another important Group B contest.
France opened the tournament with a commanding 99–53 victory over Hungary, while South Korea produced one of the opening day’s most notable results by defeating Nigeria 99–81.
The outcome could have significant implications for the battle for top spot in the group.
What To Watch For
With the group winners advancing directly to the quarter-finals and the second- and third-placed teams entering the qualification round, every group game carries considerable importance.
For Nigeria, attention will be focused on the clash with Hungary.
After losing to South Korea, D’Tigress cannot afford another defeat if they are to strengthen their prospects of progressing deep into the competition.
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup continues through September 13 in Berlin, with 16 teams competing for the global title.
