Who are the USA’s biggest challengers at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026?

Having triumphed four years ago, Team USA are aiming for their fifth straight title and 12th in total since the tournament's inception in 1953.

Despite being overwhelming favourites, upsets do happen, and there is vast talent across the tournament that could threaten the reigning champions.

But who are Caitlin Clark and co.'s biggest challengers? Here, DAZN News analyses the rest of the field.

France

No European side has won the FIBA Women's World Cup since the Soviet Union in 1983, but France appear the most likely to change that this year.

France have a strong combination of WNBA and international talent that makes them contenders, including Gabby Williams, Marine Johannès and Dominique Malonga.

They won silver at the Paris Olympics, losing to, you guessed it, the USA, by just one point as the game ended 66-67, so they have experience of pushing the champions all the way.

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Spain

Another European side with an outside shot at glory is Spain, whose best finish at the World Cup was runners-up to the USA in 2014.

Rather than matching France and the USA's WNBA star power, they are an organised and experienced side with strong depth.

Alba Torrens is the leader within the roster, while Awa Fam is an exciting prospect for a team entering the competition in fine form.

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Belgium

Rounding off a trio of European hopefuls is Belgium, who are yet to medal at the World Cup; they did make the bronze medal match in 2018 but lost out to Spain.

Belgium's trump card is power forward Emma Meesseman, one of the best talents on the international stage, who can cause problems against any team.

If they can reach the final, then it would be a fine, fine achievement, but this side are overdue for an appearance in the final two.

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Australia

The last team to win the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup other than the USA, Australia are striving for their second title.

Australia defeated Russia in the 2006 final and have achieved two bronze medal finishes since, in 2014 and 2022.

A physical, imposing side, the southern hemisphere outfit have eight WNBA stars, which is second only to the USA.

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