USA vs. Czechia winners and losers as Breanna Stewart, vets bounce back
Team USA finished the group stage at the 2026 FIBA Basketball Women's World Cup with a dominant victory over Czechia. Here are the winners and losers.
The USA women's basketball team emerged victorious in their opening match of the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup against Czechia, securing a commanding 105-64 win at the Berlin Olympic Stadium. This triumph marked the Americans' third consecutive World Cup win, continuing a streak that began in 2006. The team's strong performance was led by Breanna Stewart, who delivered a stellar performance with 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists over 17 minutes, earning her the Player of the Game award.
Angel Reese contributed 13 points, while Napheesa Collier, Jackie Young, Paige Bueckers, and Sonia Citron all scored double figures, demonstrating a balanced offensive effort. The USA's win against Czechia was an expression of their strong team spirit and improved defensive play, with Collier praising the team's on-ball defense. The Americans will face the winner of Japan-Hungary in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Czechia, on the other hand, experienced a tough defeat at the hands of the USA. The team suffered a 41-point loss, marking their first elimination from the tournament. Head coach Romana Ptáčková acknowledged the U.S. team's superior performance, admitting that they had "played against the best of the best." The loss also saw Czechia committing 16 turnovers, contributing to their poor performance.
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