Opals' next World Cup opponent revealed

The Australian Opals' next opponent at the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Berlin has been revealed following the completion of the group stage.

Sandy Brondello's Opals, headlined by nine WNBL stars, will now take on Italy in the Qualification Round on Thursday AEST.

This comes after the Opals finished second in Group C, following wins against Puerto Rico and Türkiye, as well as a loss to Belgium.

Italy, who finished third in Group D, head into the fixture with Australia following a win against Czechia and losses to the United States and China.

The Opals, who were sweating on the fitness of injured forward Alanna Smith, will play Spain in the quarter-final if they defeat Italy.

Thursday's fixture tips off at 4.45am AEST, live on ESPN via Disney+ and Kayo.

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