MIES (Switzerland) - With the draw for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments in the books, it's time to look forward to an array of truly mouth-watering matchups on the 'Road To Berlin'.
Determining the 16 teams that will ultimately take to the court in Germany next September for the flagship World Cup, the 2026 Qualifying Tournaments will take place between March 11-17.
Taking place in four host cities across the globe, namely -Wuhan, China; Lyon-Villeurbanne, France; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Istanbul, Türkiye there will be a lot to love as 24 nations take to the floor.
While all of the action is not to be missed, we've somehow managed to pick out seven games that need to be at the very top of your list.
Japan vs Hungary (Istanbul)
Date: March 11, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Japan 11th, Hungary 20th
The clash of styles between Japan and Hungary will be fascinating. High-tempo Japan will get the scoreboard racing behind the likes of Mai Yamamoto, Yuki Miyazawa and rising star Kokoro Tanaka. In contrast, Hungary will look to utilize their bigs, including EuroLeague Women standout Dorka Juhasz and paint partner, Virag Kiss.
Stung by missing out on FIBA Women's EuroBasket Women 2025, they'll want to make amends by reaching Berlin.
Canada vs Türkiye (Istanbul)
Date: March 11, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Canada 7th, Türkiye 16th
With Canada in a rebuild after a disappointing last global outing at Paris 2024, they should still have the backbone of big-hitters like Bridget Carleton and Kayla Alexander. But will young guns like Sylya Swords now be front and central? Türkiye will have noisy home support as always and will also have a new head coach.
Watch out for the classy one-two punch of Teaira McCowan and Sevgi Uzun to see them shine in front of the expectant home fans.
Czechia vs South Sudan (Wuhan)
Date: March 11, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Czechia 17th, South Sudan 55th
Will the fairytale continue for South Sudan in the wake of their jaw-dropping success at the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025 when they took bronze on their debut at the event? Their first step on the global stage will see them hoping that Delicia Washington can catch fire again and shock the world.
Czechia will not want to be caught off guard and will look to their strength in the paint with twin towers Julia Reisingerova and Emma Cechova.
Italy vs Puerto Rico (San Juan)
Date: March 11, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Italy 14th, Puerto Rico 13th
After their absorbing FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 bronze and first medal in three decades, Italy will continue to be driven by Cecilia Zandalasini, while Lorela Cubaj will be decisive under the hoop.
Puerto Rico will need to get onto the front foot early in front of their fans and are likely to need Mya Hollingshed, Arella Guirantes and Trinity San Antonio all finding their highest gear. There's just one place between these teams in the World Rankings!
Belgium vs China (Wuhan)
Date: March 12, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Belgium 5th, China 4th
Even if Belgium are assured of their ticket, the chance to see two of the Top 5 teams in women's global hoops going at it will be sensational. Especially with a lot of pressure and expectation on home favorites China.
Their support will be superb as they look to an incredible frontline of Ziyu Zhang, Yueru Li and Xu Han to carry them. But it's a tough ask to slow down a quality Cats team with Emma Meesseman, Julie Allemand and Julie Vanloo.
Germany vs France (Lyon-Villeurbanne)
Date: March 14, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: Germany 12th, France 3rd
While Germany have already qualified directly as World Cup hosts, they should give a tough test to a French team looking to bounce back from the shock of missing the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 podium.
Germany will be keen to start formulating their starters for Berlin, so may have Leonie Fiebich, Nyara Sabally and Satou Sabally, with France maybe also turning back to leading lights Marine Johannes, Gabby Williams and Dominique Malonga.
USA vs Spain (San Juan)
Date: March 17, 2026 FIBA World Ranking: USA 1st, Spain 6th
Spain are likely to provide the biggest test for reigning champions USA who already have a ticket. It will be a great look at the shape of the holders ahead of their title defense in Berlin. But which superstars will be on show - will it be A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart - even a senior debut for Caitlin Clark?
Meanwhile Spain's outstanding new generation of Raquel Carrera, Iyana Martin and Awa Fam will want to make an even bigger name for themselves.
FIBA