The first game of the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup tips off in less than 24 hours, and there is no shortage of betting options to consider. We will focus on two games where it's possible to exploit certain advantages. Let's jump right into some of our favorite FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Picks for the first day of action.
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2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Spain vs. Germany
The matchup between Spain and Germany has all the makings of an absolute classic. Each team is ranked in the top 10 in the world and can light up the scoreboard. It looks as if Nyara Sabally will suit up for Germany, which should add a few more points to the scoreboard. There are eight active WNBA players in this game, and we could see these teams soar past the projected total of 137.5 points.
These two teams are loaded with high-volume shooting threats that can get hot. If they trade three-point baskets, this will be a borderline no-sweat bet. Given the low spread (4.5), it's possible this game could be decided in overtime. Two very capable scoring teams in a close battle will make this one of our favorite plays on the slate.
Pick: Over 137.5 Points (-120)
Spain vs. Germany
While the prior selection may be one of our favorites, this next recommendation is easily our sweatiest. Teams are still figuring out how to run their offense through the first quarter, and the excitement of playing in their first tournament game could very well get the better of both teams.
That said, these are two highly experienced squads that could push the pace immediately. Again, both teams favor the three-point shot, and it would take only a few makes by each to push the points over 34.5 in the first quarter.
This contest is offering some seriously low totals that will most likely not stand before tip-off tomorrow. We would completely understand if you wanted to pass on this play. Yet, given the tight spread (4.5) and the fact that Spain and Germany are not shy at all about hoisting up three-pointers, the over on 34.5 points through the first quarter seems like a sharp play.
Pick: First Quarter Over 34.5 Points (-120)
France vs. Hungary
The standard line is France -20.5 points. However, this could be a very one-sided affair that exceeds the 21-point threshold, and we just don't want to miss out on a positive return. France are heavy favorites and have a sizable advantage in regard to depth and talent. Hungary is ranked 19th in the world and is up against one of the favorites to win it all.
France is made up of eight current WNBA players. Gabby Williams is the headlining name of the bunch, yet the team is full of extremely talented players. Marine Johannes, Janelle Salaun, Leila Lacan, Carla Leite, Pauline Astier, Valeriane Ayayi and Dominique Malonga are quite the formidable force.
Hungary is simply outmatched in this one, and we expect the final score to favor France by 22 points or more.
Pick: France -21.5 (+100)
France vs. Hungary
France boasts a smothering defense that will put ample pressure on Hungary’s offense. France has tremendous length down low with Janelle Salaun, Valeriane Ayayi and Dominique Malonga.
Hungary may find it quite difficult to find open looks from inside the paint, and will be forced to shoot from the outside. If those shots fail to drop, the Hungarian team will put up a very low score through the first two quarters.
We debated taking France at halftime to lead by 12+ points. However, it would make more sense for France to put the clamps on the Hungarian offense and keep the combined total under 74 points at halftime. The threshold is quite high, and considering this will be the first game for either team, we wouldn't be surprised at some shooting inefficiency early on in this contest.
Pick: Halftime Under 73.5 Points (-125)
Belgium vs. Türkiye
Türkiye faces one of the toughest matchups of the day against an experienced and highly talented Belgian squad. Emma Meesseman leads the Belgium team and is regarded as one of the best basketball players in the world - and rightfully so.
Meesseman has won seven EuroLeague titles and the MVP award in the previous three seasons. The veteran forward also won the WNBA MVP Award in 2019.
Meesseman is accompanied by Julie Allemand, Kyara Linskens, Julie Vanloo and Antonia Delaere. The Belgium team has proven they are capable of winning at the highest levels, and they face a Türkiye team ranked last amongst all participants.
Belgium has a tremendous advantage in talent, scoring, experience, success and chemistry. Backing Belgium -11.5 seems like the best course of action in this contest.
Pick: Belgium -11.5 (-118)
Belgium vs. Türkiye
Belgium is far and away the superior team. Belgium will constantly move the ball in an attempt to find openings in the defense and connect on wide-open three-pointers. Emma Meesseman demands double teams, which should make open shots readily available. If Türkiye elects to play Meesseman straight up, she will more than Likely finish with 25+ points.
We expect the Belgian team to maintain a steady lead throughout this game. The -6.5 spread at halftime may be one of our favorite bets on the day, and it's certainly not indicative of the No. 3 versus No. 16 seed matchup. Things may get ugly quickly in, yet we feel the safest way to approach this game is to grab the points on Berlin to be leading at the half by seven points or more.
Pick: Belgium -6.5 Halftime (-113)
