FIBA Women’s World Cup: Host Germany avoids early exit against Mali; Spain sails into quarterfinals

Host Germany avoided embarrassment at the women’s FIBA World Cup on Monday while Spain advanced to the quarterfinals.

Germany faced the prospect of elimination in its final group game against Mali, but the host was never in danger in front of a sell-out crowd at the Berlin Arena, with Frieda Buhner (21 points) and Luisa Geiselsoder (17) contributing to a comfortable 83-58 win.

Iyana Martin led Spain to a 79-59 win over Japan with 20 points and four rebounds, sending Spain (2-1) straight through to the quarterfinals as Group A winner because of its head-to-head record against Germany (2-1).

Alima Dembélé’s two free throws at the start gave Mali (1-2) its only lead against Germany as the host made sure of progress from a group that had been wide open with all teams 1-1 before their final games.

After the buzzer, the German players went over to a corner and danced with the crowd. They then did a lap around the court and high-fived fans as they went off.

“There’s no celebration,” Germany coach Olaf Lange said. “The turnaround to tomorrow is too fast. The players need to recover now. Things get going again first thing tomorrow morning.”

Germany faces South Korea on Tuesday to decide which team progresses to the quarterfinals.

Japan finished third in the group while Mali was eliminated despite its shock win over Spain on Saturday. Japan next plays Hungary on Tuesday.

After running the United States close the night before, Italy struggled to find the same energy levels in a 51-71 defeat to China, which secured second place in Group D and a playoff against Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

China’s 7-foot-3 teenage sensation Zhang Ziyu scored eight points while Han Xu led the team with 19 points and 10 rebounds in front of a raucous crowd at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin.

Matilde Villa led Italy with 15 points and acknowledged that the game against the U.S. on Sunday took a toll.

“We spent a lot of energy, mentally and physically, and I think we felt it,” Villa told the Associated Press. “But yes, we didn’t approach the game in the right way, and this has to be a lesson for us. Now we will take a day off, recover, and then we will think about the next game.”

Italy (1-2), back in the tournament after a 32-year wait, next faces Australia on Wednesday for a place in the quarterfinals.

The U.S. (3-0) bounced back from its scare the night before with a 105-64 rout of the Czech Republic, which was already eliminated after two losses, now three.

Breanna Stewart had 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists to help the U.S. win its 33rd in a row in the tournament.

(With inputs from The Associated Press)

Published on Sep 08, 2026