The full lineup for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup has been finalized, with 16 countries set to battle for global glory in Berlin, Germany this September.
The final list of participants was confirmed after qualifying tournaments held in Istanbul, Lyon-Villeurbanne, San Juan, and Wuhan wrapped up, completing the journey to one of women’s basketball’s biggest stages.
Five nations had already secured their places before the qualifiers began. Host country Germany gained automatic entry, alongside continental champions Australia, Belgium, Nigeria, and the United States—highlighting Nigeria’s continued dominance on the African stage.
The remaining 11 slots were filled through intense qualifying competitions. France were the first to seal qualification, followed by Spain, China, South Korea, Italy, Mali, Czechia, Türkiye, Japan, Hungary, and Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico grabbed the final ticket in dramatic style, delivering a crucial win in the last game of the San Juan qualifiers to book their place in the tournament.
For some teams, qualification marks a historic return. Italy will feature at the Women’s World Cup for the first time in 32 years, while Hungary end a 28-year absence, signaling a resurgence for both European sides.
Qualified Teams for the Tournament:
Australia, Belgium, China, Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mali, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Spain, Türkiye, United States.
In individual performances, Australia’s Sami Whitcomb stood out in Istanbul, earning the TISSOT Most Valuable Player award.
She was named in the All-Star Five alongside Mai Yamamoto of Japan, Kennedy Burke of Türkiye, Dorka Juhász of Hungary, and Aaliyah Edwards of Canada.
With the teams now confirmed, attention shifts to Berlin, where Nigeria’s D’Tigress will aim to make a strong statement against the world’s best at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
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