The 2006 tournament that marked the last professional defeat for the USA
In short: In September 2006, the basketball world converged on Brazil for a high-stakes showdown. While Australia ultimately claimed the gold, the tournament is etched in history for a specific upset: a semi-final loss by the United States to Russia that remains a rare blemish on their professional era.
The 15th edition of the FIBA Women's World Championship, held from September 12 to September 23, 2006, featured sixteen national teams competing for global supremacy. Co-organised by FIBA and the Confederação Brasileira de Basketball, the event showcased the elite of international basketball. The tournament structure was rigorous, with sixteen teams each bringing a 12-player roster, overseen by a panel of 25 professional referees.
The field was composed of various continental representatives. Brazil earned automatic entry as the host, while the United States qualified as the reigning Olympic champions. The remaining fourteen nations earned their spots through continental qualifying tournaments. Europe sent five teams, including the European Champion, the Czech Republic, alongside Spain, France, Lithuania, and Russia. The Americas were represented by Canada, Argentina, and Cuba. Asia contributed the P.R. of China, Chinese Taipei, and Korea, while Australia entered as the Oceanian Champion.
The competition followed a precise progression: the top three squads from each group advanced to the second round, while the top four from each group reached the quarter-finals. This format ensured that every preliminary game played by advancing teams carried weight into the eighth-final standings. The tournament concluded with a final between Australia and Russia, where Australia secured the gold medal with a 91–74 victory. However, the most enduring statistical note remains the United States' semi-final defeat to Russia, which stands as their final loss when fielding professional players as of 2025.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women
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