BERLIN (Germany) - Hungary are heading for Berlin looking to make the most of their first FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup appearance of the 21st century and knowing they can make a splash on their return.
Having also not played at the Olympics since 1980, this is the rarest of global big stage outings, but confidence will be high that they can make it out of the first phase at least.
This is because they have already beaten the likes of Japan and Türkiye this year in the Qualifying Tournament. So, they know they can mix it with some talented teams and be a real handful if they do hit top gear.
How they qualified
Hungary defied the odds, and the doubters to emerge from the 'Group of Death' at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul. They won three games, with two victories under pressure on the last two days. This also came having had to navigate the World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament two years ago.
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament (Istanbul, Türkiye) Gameday 1: Japan 65-77 Hungary (W) Game Report Gameday 2: Hungary 53-75 Canada (L) Game Report Gameday 3: Australia 71-58 Hungary (L) Game Report Gameday 4: Hungary 92-81 Argentina (W) Game Report Gameday 5: Türkiye 74-89 Hungary (W) Game Report
Women's World Cup pedigree
Number of participations (including 2026): 6
Last participation: 1998 (10th)
Best finish: 5th (1957)
Podium finishes: None
Current FIBA World Ranking for Women, presented by Nike: 19th
Last 10 FIBA events
Year | Event | Location | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Piraeus, Greece | Did not participate |
2024 | Olympic Games | Paris, France | Did not participate |
2023 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Ljubljana, Slovenia | 4th |
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 | 7th |
2018 | FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup | Tenerife, Spain | Did not participate |
2017 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Prague, Czechia | 12th |
2016 | Olympic Games | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Did not participate |
The Group Phase
On paper at least, this looks like a potentially productive group for Hungary and one they can be hugely competitive in. While their opener will likely be tough against France who are being tipped for the podium, they will feel highly confident of chasing down possible wins against both Nigeria and Korea.
Group Phase Games
Hungary vs France (Sep 4) Nigeria vs Hungary (Sep 5) Hungary vs Korea (Sep 7)
Players to watch
Dorka Juhasz was incredible in the Qualifying Tournament and broke scoring records to eventually write her name into the All-Star Five. She will be the centerpiece of Hungary's campaign, with Virag Takacs-Kiss a great foil alongside her and also capable of anchoring the team in the paint.
In the backcourt and on the wings, it could be Reka Lelik and Debora Dubei who provide the mix of production and composure. The former is always capable of a big show because of her offensive qualities and do-it-all approach, while Dubei brings leadership for the group and looks after so many of the intangibles in games. Reka Dombai could also prove a game-winner in waiting.
Fear and Hope
Like several teams heading to Berlin, Hungary have to rely on a superstar player. The fear is that if Juhasz is not available for any of the games or even during crunch time within games because of foul trouble for example, they can't replace the brilliance she brings - either with another player directly, or collectively.
The hope for Hungary is they still have momentum from Istanbul when they showed their teeth as a team who is tough to play against and relentless on both ends of the floor. They do have Juhasz as their marquee baller, but they have a great team ethic too and this could ensure their overdue return to the global stage is one to remember.
FIBA