United States to Contest Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Puerto Rico
The United States women’s basketball team is preparing to compete in Puerto Rico in March, as part of the FIBA World Cup qualifier. Already qualified for the World Cup to be held next year in Germany, the Americans share a group with Italy, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Senegal and Spain. The American team will begin its participation on March 11 against Senegal, followed by Puerto Rico the next day. Subsequently, they will face Italy on March 14 and New Zealand the following day. The closing of their participation will be on March 17, against Spain. One or two training camps are anticipated for the US team before the qualifying tournament. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is likely to participate.Clark, who has been out of action since mid-July due to groin and ankle injuries, expressed his commitment to preparing to represent the United States. Although Clark is very likely to 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 is held just before the start of the NCAA Tournament. The 3-on-3 basketball league, Unrivaled, in Miami, is expected to conclude its season before the start of the qualifier. 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 well as host Germany. The three best-performing teams in Istanbul, China, and Puerto Rico, excluding the teams already qualified, will advance to the World Cup. In France, the two best teams will advance, excluding Germany and Nigeria.There are some USA Basketball-related matters 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
