BERLIN — The United States women's basketball team entered the knockout rounds of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup on Saturday as heavy favorites, carrying a 12-player roster that officials described as one of the deepest ever assembled. The Americans have not lost a World Cup game since 2006.

The roster, confirmed earlier this month, balances Olympic experience with emerging talent. The team's coaching staff has emphasized defensive intensity and depth as the tournament reaches its decisive stage.

The United States entered the competition ranked No. 1 in the world by FIBA and dominated the group phase, winning by wide margins. Their principal rivals remained host nations on the European circuit and Australia, whose Opals have long pushed the Americans in international play.

A victory in the knockout rounds would extend a run of World Cup titles stretching back nearly two decades. The program aims to sustain its global dominance while developing the next generation of national-team players.

"This roster was built to win now and to carry the program forward," a USA Basketball spokesperson said.