Where to watch USA vs. China women’s basketball today: Free stream

Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart and Paige Bueckers lead exciting squad of talent when the USA makes their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup debut against China on Friday, September 4 at 8:15 a.m. ET. Here’s how to watch the game for free.

The FIBA World Cup USA vs. China game airs on TNT, and streams live on DIRECTV (free trial) and DAZN.

What: FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, Group Stage

When: Friday, September 4

Where: Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany

Live stream: DIRECTV (free trial), DAZN, Sling, Hulu + Live TV

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The United States opens the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup on Friday against China, beginning a title defense that comes with familiar pressure. The Americans have won four consecutive World Cups and arrive in Berlin as favorites once again, but this roster looks different from previous championship teams.

Half of the 12-player squad is making its World Cup debut, including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers. With limited time together before the tournament, the challenge will be finding chemistry quickly while balancing the energy of young stars with the experience of veterans such as Breanna Stewart and Chelsea Gray.

One of the biggest storylines entering the opener is how quickly Team USA can come together. The entire roster only recently assembled in Berlin, leaving little practice time before meaningful games begin.

The new World Cup format adds another wrinkle. With only three preliminary-round games, the Americans have fewer opportunities to experiment with rotations and lineups before the knockout stage begins. That puts extra importance on Friday’s matchup as coach Kara Lawson evaluates combinations and establishes roles. Fortunately for Team USA, many of the players are already familiar with each other’s strengths after competing against one another throughout the WNBA season.

Friday also offers an early glimpse at some of the tournament’s biggest MVP candidates. Stewart enters as one of the leading contenders after capturing World Cup MVP honors in 2018 and helping lead the U.S. to multiple global titles.

Meanwhile, Clark and Bueckers will make their highly anticipated World Cup debuts. Clark has already proven she can shine in international competition, while Bueckers gives the Americans another dynamic scorer and playmaker. Against a talented Chinese team, their performances could offer an early indication of just how dangerous this new-look U.S. squad can be.

Ben Axelson is the eCommerce Content Supervisor for syracuse.com | The Post-Standard, covering sports, TV, streaming and tickets for teams including the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, New York Giants, New York...

This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Syracuse.com staff.