United States to Compete in Puerto Rico in FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
The United States women’s basketball team is preparing to participate in the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, which will take place in Puerto Rico in March. Already qualified for next year’s World Cup in Germany, the Americans will share a group with Italy, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Senegal and Spain. The match schedule for the United States includes matches against Senegal on March 11, followed by Puerto Rico one day later. On March 14 they will face Italy and on the 15th New Zealand. The competition will conclude on March 17 with a match against Spain. Before the qualifying tournament, one or two training camps are anticipated for the US team, which will likely include Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.Clark, who has been out of action since mid-July due to groin and ankle injuries, has expressed his intention to prepare to play with USA Basketball. Although it is very likely that Clark will participate, it is probable that the Americans will not have their coach, Kara Lawson. The Duke women’s team coach was recently named the U.S. Olympic coach for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The World Cup qualifier takes place just before the start of the NCAA Tournament. The Miami-based 3-on-3 league, Unrivaled, is expected to conclude its season before the start of the qualifiers. In addition to Puerto Rico, FIBA will also organize qualifying tournaments in Istanbul, Lyon-Villeurbanne (France), and Wuhan (China). Belgium, Australia, and Nigeria have already qualified for the World Cup, as has Germany, the host country. The three teams with the best performance in Istanbul, China, and Puerto Rico, excluding those already qualified, will advance to the World Cup. In France, the two best teams, excluding Germany and Nigeria, will get a place in the World Cup.There are a few USA Basketball things that are probably my main priority right now that I need to prepare for, and I think that will help me prepare for next season as well.
Caitlin Clark
