The teams were placed into groups based on their performance in the 2011 FINA Women's Water Polo World League.
All matches were held in various locations in Orange County, California, United States from 20–22 February 2012.
The first round-robin will be held at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai and the second round-robin will be held from 8–12 May 2012 at the Chiba International Swimming Complex in Narashino, Chiba, Japan.
As China has already qualified as the hosts, if they win the Asia/Oceania League, the second-placed team will advance.
Betsey Armstrong, Heather Petri, Melissa Seidemann, Brenda Villa (C), Lauren Wenger, Maggie Steffens, Courtney Mathewson, Jessica Steffens, Elsie Windes, Kelly Rulon, Annika Dries, Kami Craig, Tumua Anae.