Germany, China secure second-place finishes as World Cup group stage ends

Players of China celebrate after winning the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

BERLIN, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Host Germany powered past Mali 83-58 to secure second place in Group A and a quarterfinal qualification game against South Korea as the group stage of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup concluded Monday.

Frieda Buhner scored 21 points in less than 20 minutes, including four 3-pointers, while Luisa Geiselsoder added 17. Germany responded to Mali's opening 2-0 lead with seven unanswered points before pulling clear in the second quarter.

The victory was Germany's second straight and set up Tuesday's game against South Korea, with the winner advancing to face Belgium in the quarterfinals.

Spain topped Group A and advanced directly to the last eight after defeating Japan 79-59 behind Iyana Martin's 20 points and Awa Fam's 16 points and 10 rebounds. Japan will meet Hungary in Tuesday's other qualification game, with the winner facing the United States.

China secured second place in Group D with a commanding 71-51 victory over Italy as Han Xu collected 19 points and 10 rebounds. China led for all but the opening 21 seconds and stretched its advantage to 25 points before Italy briefly responded with a 10-0 run in the third quarter.

China will face Puerto Rico on Wednesday for a quarterfinal place against France, while Italy meets Australia, with the winner advancing to play Spain.

The United States completed an unbeaten Group D campaign with a 105-64 victory over Czechia. Breanna Stewart had 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists as the defending champion advanced directly to the quarterfinals.

France also progressed directly after routing Nigeria 111-56 in Group B. France made a tournament-record 22 3-pointers, with Gabby Williams scoring 25 points in just over 18 minutes.

Hungary secured second place in the group by holding off South Korea 82-73, with Dorka Juhasz posting 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Belgium claimed top spot in Group C and direct entry to the last eight after beating Australia 80-68. Emma Meesseman narrowly missed a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Puerto Rico overturned a seven-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to beat Türkiye 75-71. Arella Guirantes led Puerto Rico with 21 points, and Imani McGee-Stafford added 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Zhang Ziyu (1st R) of China shoots during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Han Xu (2nd L) of China goes for a layup during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Yang Shuyu (2nd R) of China breaks through during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Han Xu (L) of China celebrates after first quarter of the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Yang Shuyu (R) of China goes to the basket during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/He Canling)

Yang Shuyu (C) of China breaks through during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/He Canling)

Yang Shuyu (2nd L) of China goes for a layup during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Zhang Ziyu (top) of China shoots during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Zhang Ziyu (R) of China shoots during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Zhang Ziyu (L) of China shoots during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Chen Mingling (L) of China goes for a layup against Francesca Pan of Italy during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Olbis Andre (R) of Italy shoots against Han Xu of China during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Li Yuan (top) of China shoots during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Yang Shuyu (2nd L) of China passes the ball to Han Xu (2nd R) of China during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Wang Siyu (L) of China passes the ball during the group D match between China and Italy at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/He Canling)