FIBA Women's Olympic qualifying seedings confirmed

BEIJING - Seedings for the upcoming 2020 FIBA Women's Olympic qualifying tournaments have been confirmed on the basis of the latest world rankings.

No change has occurred for the top 15 sides, but ninth-ranked Belgium (557.6) move a little closer to China (560.3) in points.

The 16 teams will contend for 12 Olympic spots next February through tournaments held in Belgium (Ostend), China (Foshan), France (Bourges) and Serbia (Belgrade).

Top-seeded teams include current Olympic and world champions the United States, along with Australia, Spain and Canada.

France, Serbia, China and Belgium are listed as second seeds. The third-seeded teams are Japan, Brazil, Nigeria and Britain, while fourth seeds are South Korea, Sweden, Puerto Rico and Mozambique.

The draw will take place at the FIBA headquarters on Nov 27, with the top three teams from each four-team tournament qualifying for the Olympics.

2018 World Cup winners the USA and Olympic Games hosts Japan will play in the qualification tournaments, but will advance through to the Tokyo Olympics regardless of their results.