Mali fell 102-97 to Japan on Friday in their opening game of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, a tournament running until 13 September. The Maliennes controlled the first three quarters before Japan fought back to claim victory in the closing minutes. Japan's Hayashi finished as the match's top scorer with 27 points, securing her country's first win of the competition.
Mali are drawn in Group A alongside hosts Germany and Spain, both regarded as difficult opponents. The Maliennes return to action on Saturday against the Spaniards.
Nigeria, the reigning African champions, also begin their campaign on Saturday against Hungary in Group B, which also features South Korea and France. The D'Tigress, who claimed a fifth continental title in 2025 and sit eighth in the world rankings, will be led by Amy Okonkwo, a two-time MVP at the last AfroBasket, and guard Promise Amukamara.
The United States, chasing a fifth straight world title, are the favourites. The Americans have not lost at a World Cup since the 2006 semi-finals, though they will be without Kelsey Plum and A'ja Wilson, the latter named MVP of the Paris Olympic tournament. Sixteen nations are competing across four groups of four, with the top team in each pool advancing directly to the quarter-finals on 10 September. Second- and third-placed sides will contest play-offs on 8 and 9 September. Semi-finals are scheduled for 12 September, with the final set for 13 September in Berlin.
