Group play in the FIBA Women’s World Cup is officially in the books, meaning it's the perfect time to check in with oddsmakers to see how each team stacks up ahead of the quarterfinal round on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Team USA was the heavy favorite entering the tournament as the only squad with minus odds. The Americans swept group play with a 3-0 record, but a close call against Italy threatened their decades-long win steak and showed just how much other countries have closed the gap. USA escaped with a 55-52 win over Italy on Sept. 6, marking their lowest point total at the World Cup since 1984.
Despite the scare, Team USA is still considered the frontrunner. But by how big of a margin?
France entered the tournament as another gold-medal contender
and the country strengthened its case with a perfect 3-0 start, which included a 55-point win over Nigeria where they set a new World Cup record with 22 made 3-pointers to close out the preliminary round with an exclamation point.
Here’s a look at the odds from BetMGM, as of Tuesday, Sept. 8:
United States -500
USA has depth on its side with 12 WNBA players on its roster. All 12 players have scored in two of the Americans' three preliminary games, highlighting their ability to beat you in many different ways. Veterans like Breanna Stewart, Chelsea Gray and Napheesa Collier are setting the energy, while rising young stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Sonia Citron and Paige Bueckers are carrying the standard.
France +600
France carries eight WNBA players on its roster, including Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries, Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm and Carla Leite of the Portland Fire. Williams leads the entire tournament in scoring, averaging 18.7 points through three game. She became the first French woman to knock down six 3-pointers at the World Cup in France's rout of Nigeria on Sept. 6. "This group, this team, I think, is on a whole other level", Williams said after the win.
Belgium +1400
Belgium is lead by Emma Meesseman, who now stars for Fenerbahçe in Turkey. She is a three-time EuroLeague MVP, a two-time EuroBasket MVP, a two-time WNBA All-Star and MVP of the 2019 Finals won by the Mystics. Meesseman's 18.3 points per game average ranks second only to France's Gabby Williams, while Julie Vanloo is adding 16.3 points per game. Belgium features five WNBA players, in addition to collegiate standout Nastja Claessens of Kansas State. The team is coached by Mike Thibault, who led the Washington Mystics to a WNBA championship in 2019, alongside Meesseman.
Spain +2000
Spain enters the quarterfinal round with a 2-1 record after a shocking upset by Mali. Iyana Martin leads the Spainards in scoring (17.3) and assists (3) per game. Her performance has left many WNBA fans excited for her arrival in Portland. Martin was drafted No. 7 overall by the WNBA's Portland Fire earlier this year, but opted to delay her debut to focus on her national team responsibilities. Awa Fam is adding 12.3 points per game. Spain is rounded out by WNBA players including María Conde, Raquel Carrera and Megan DiLeo. DiLeo — formerly Gustafson — was the 2019 National Player of the Year at Iowa and holds dual citizenship between the U.S. and Spain.
Australia +2800
Coached by Sandy Brondello, who has won two WNBA championships, the Opals are always a tough out in these tournaments. This year’s team features seven WNBA players, but former co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith has been ruled out with a lower left leg injury.
China +6600
China was the runner-up in the 2022 World Cup, taking the silver medal after losing to Team USA in the championship. Han Xu, the 6-foot-9 center who plays for the New York Liberty, leads China in scoring (17.3 points per game) and rebounds (11.3). Zhang Ziyu, 19, was borderline unstoppable in Friday's contest. The Chinese center — listed by FIBA at 7-foot-4 — finished with 13 points and six rebounds, while shooting 9-for-10 from the free-throw line in China's loss to the USA.
Germany +6600
The host country’s team features three WNBA players, including Leonie Fiebich of the New York Liberty. Former Syracuse standout Alexis Peterson — the 2017 ACC Player of the Year — is also playing for Germany after representing the country the 2024 Olympics.
Italy +6600
Italy gave the Americans a run for their money in their preliminary matchup, falling short of an upset in their 55-52 loss to USA. Cecilia Zandalasini of the Golden Stat Warriors led the charge. She's averaging 15 points and 4.7 rebounds per game at the tournament. Italy has never medaled in a World Cup or Olympics in women’s basketball. The Italians did win the bronze medal at the 2025 EuroBasket where Andrea Capobianco was named best coach.
Puerto Rico +20000
Puerto Rico made the quarterfinals in the 2022 FIBA World Cup. The roster features former WNBA player Imani McGee-Stafford and Trinity San Antonio, the latter of whom was the WAC Player of the Year in 2025 for Grand Canyon. McGee-Stafford leads the tournament in rebounding with 13 per game.
Hungary +20000
This is the first time Hungary has qualified for the World Cup since 1998. The roster features Euroleague MVP Dorka Juhasz. The UConn alum and Minnesota Lynx center leads Hungary in points (15.3) and rebounds (11) per game. Her rebound average is the third-highest in the tournament.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FIBA Women's World Cup odds: Who is the favorite to win gold?
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