yahoo - 3/16/2026 3:36:32 AM - GMT (+2 )
The Women's NCAA Tournament matchups have officially been announced.
The tournament will get underway with First Four play-in games, offering an opportunity to advance to the bracket's first round.
Nebraska, Samford, Richmond and Southern will be among the teams competing in the First Four. Stephen F. Austin, Arizona State, Virginia and Missouri State will also compete in the round.
Who is playing in the First Four of Women's March Madness?Nebraska vs. Richmond and Stephen F. Austin vs. Missouri State will kick off the First Four action on March 18.
Virginia vs. Arizona State and Samford vs. Southern will take place the following day.
When is the Women's First Four?The First Four will be played on Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19.
It's the official start of the Women's NCAA Tournament; eight teams will compete in the play-in games to determine which two teams will punch their tickets to the dance.
Once the bracket has been cut down from 68 teams to the final 64-team field, the first round will begin on Friday, March 20.
Time and channel to be determined for all games. Locations via ESPN
Wednesday, March 18- Nebraska vs. Richmond (Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC)
- Stephen F. Austin vs. Missouri State (Moody Center, Austin, TX)
- Virginia vs. Arizona State (Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, IA)
- Samford vs. Southern (Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC)
Below are all the dates for the 2026 women's NCAA Tournament:
- First Four: Wednesday, March 18 through Thursday, March 19
- First Round: Friday, March 20 through Saturday, March 21
- Second Round: Sunday, March 22 through Monday, March 23
- Sweet 16: Friday, March 27 through Saturday, March 29
- Elite Eight: Sunday, March 29 through Monday, March 30
- Final Four: Friday, April 3
- National championship: Sunday, April 5
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Women's March Madness First Four schedule, dates, location
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