FIBA Gives Team USA Unfortunate News After 3 World Cup Games

Kara Lawson has led Team USA to an undefeated 3-0 record during the group stage of the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, taking down China and Italy before finishing off Group D with a 105-64 win over Czechia on Monday. Team USA will now await its quarterfinal matchup, which is set for Thursday. Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young is leading the way for the United States, averaging a team-high 11.3 points on 53.8% shooting, three rebounds and three assists. Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers is also chipping in 10.3 points per game, tied for the second-best on the team through three games, while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is averaging a team-high 6.3 assists. Team USA has been one of the heavy favorites to win the 2026 FIBA World Cup, given its heavy WNBA firepower. However, FIBA seems to think another country has taken over as the best team in the event. Early Tuesday morning, after the group stage came to a close, FIBA released its fifth edition of the FIBA Women's World Cup power rankings. The United States had topped each of the previous four editions, but heading into the knockout stage, France moved into the No. 1 spot while Team USA slipped to No. 2. Like Team USA, France is led by a plethora of WNBA stars as well. Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun leads the team with 16.7 points per game, while her WNBA teammate, Gabby Williams, is adding 10.5 points. Not to forget Seattle Storm forward Dominique Malong, who is notching 14.5 points and six rebounds per game. The French not only won all three group stage games, but did so with ease. They took down Germany by 22 points in the opener, before defeating Colombia by 40 and the Philippines by 49. And France has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals as well, awaiting the results of the Puerto Rico vs. China matchup. Rounding out the top five in FIBA's latest power rankings include Belgium (3rd), Spain (4th) and Australia (5th). 'THOUGHTS ON THIS? ,' the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup wrote on Instagram. 'New volume of #FIBAWWC Power Rankings is out.' Team USA will face the winner of the Hungary vs. Japan game on Thursday, with the tipoff time to be determined. This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.