BERLIN (Germany) - There was an amazing atmosphere inside Berlin Arena as a sold out 12,550 crowd flocked to see Germany in their first outing of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026.
The incredible attendance was one of the highest of the modern era in the competition, with the host nation showing their passion for the sport and for their national team.
The game was also attended by a number of distinguished VIP guests including:
- Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz - Minister of State for Sports and Volunteering, Ronald Rahue - Senator of Berlin, Iris Spranger - Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner - 3x3 Olympic gold medal winner, Svenja Brunckhorst - FIBA Hall of Fame member, Ticha Penicheiro, - FIBA Hall of Fame member, Clarisse Machanguana - ALBA Berlin players Jack Kayil and Jonas Matthisseck - Former German national team and NBA player, Detlef Schrempf - Handball legend, Stefan Kretzschmar - Athletics star, Gina Luckenkemper - TV Host, Johannes B. Kerner
It was Spain who denied Germany a fairytale first day win in front of the huge crowd with a convincing victory in the capital.
It's amazing to see a crowd like this and to see people come and support us to celebrate basketball. I am extremely thankful for it.
Despite the loss, Germany Head Coach and Berlin native, Olaf Lange was quick to praise the way the Arena got behind the hosts.
"Words are hard to find to express how grateful I am," said the playcaller.
"I am from Berlin, born and raised here. So, to have the support of the fans even if we don't play well is really amazing. When I was growing up, nobody was cheering if you were losing. But our fans have been very supportive so this has made it an amazing experience so far."
Germany center, Marie Guelich echoed those sentiments.
She said: "It's amazing to see a crowd like this and to see people come and support us to celebrate basketball. I am extremely thankful for it.
"I love an atmosphere like this. It's fun to play in it and I am excited for this tournament to be in Berlin and to have this crowd behind us all of the time."
FIBA