BERLIN (Germany) - Germany will not only proudly step out as hosts of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, but will also be viewed as having the potential to make a deep run and to challenge for a medal.
It's only the second time in their history they have competed in the famous tournament, having previously hosted the event in 1998. History looks like it could happen - whether that is a best-ever finish, or even a maiden podium spot.
Falling short of the Quarter-Finals on debut 28 years ago, this time it could be different. Especially with a seriously talented group of ballers who collectively provide a great balance of quality, experience - alongside some superb rising stars ready to make their mark.
How they qualified
Germany automatically gained their ticket as host nation, but still participated in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne, France. They played impressively and won four of their five outings.
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament (Lyon-Villeurbanne, France) Gameday 1: Germany 76-49 Korea (W) Game Report Gameday 2: Philippines 80-113 Germany (W) Game Report Gameday 3: Germany 63-85 France (L) Game Report Gameday 4: Colombia 57-78 Germany (W) Game Report Gameday 5: Nigeria 73-81 Germany (W) Game Report
Women's World Cup pedigree
Number of participations (including 2026): 2
Last participation: 1998 (11th)
Best finish: 11th (1998)
Podium finishes: None
Current FIBA World Ranking for Women, presented by Nike: 11th
Last 10 FIBA events
Year | Event | Location | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Piraeus, Greece | 5th |
2024 | Olympic Games | Paris, France | 7th |
2023 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Ljubljana, Slovenia | 6th |
2022 | FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup | Sydney, Australia | Did not participate |
2021 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Valencia, Spain | Did not participate |
2020 | Olympic Games | Tokyo, Japan | Did not participate |
2019 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Belgrade, Serbia | Did not participate |
2018 | FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup | Tenerife, Spain | Did not participate |
2017 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Prague, Czechia | Did not participate |
2016 | Olympic Games | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Did not participate |
The Group Phase
Occupying a spot in Group A, Germany will tip-off in a blockbuster clash with Spain who they met in a thriller last year in Hamburg as co-hosts of FIBA Women's EuroBasket. They will also engage in a possible classic matchup with Japan, before signing off in the first phase against Mali when they will be big favorites to record a victory.
Group Phase Games
Spain vs Germany (Sep 4) Germany vs Japan (Sep 5) Germany vs Mali (Sep 7)
Players to watch
Germany have so many stars to watch and that is hugely exciting for the host nation. They are stacked with talent and have ballers who can be game-winners on any given day, such as Leonie Fiebich, Luisa Geiselsoder and Nyara Sabally.
Alexis Peterson brings so much quality and leadership as the primary playmaker, while all eyes will on rising star Frieda Buhner, who is one of the most improved ballers in the women's game during the past 18 months or so.
Fear and Hope
The fear will be the potential over-reliance on Peterson and all the eggs being in the basket of their point guard. She makes Germany tick and a lack of depth in the backcourt compared to the frontcourt is stark. While others can handle the ball, you need top class playmakers directing the traffic in an elite competition such as this.
The hope for Germany is that they can harness what is likely to be outstanding home support with their rich choice of options on the wing and in the frontcourt to get the job done and make a deep run. In theory, a podium place is within reach and if they deliver it, there will be some truly unforgettable scenes.
FIBA