MUNICH (Germany) - With the group phase of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 now in the books and as we head into tournament crunch time, the last all-important volume of the Smart Power Rankings has dropped.
Since the last edition there's been so much to love in Berlin and endless topics to talk about. From sold out crowds, record-breaking performances, surprises and of course a field that has now reduced from 16 to 12 teams.
Taking into account the performances and results so far - as well as the all-important tournament bracket and crossovers, here's how it's looking heading into the knockout stages.
12. Puerto Rico (+4)
Maximum credit to the Islanders and Coach Batista for making it out of a World Cup Group phase yet again. They played solid against Australia and Belgium and really made it count in a must-win matchup with injury-hit Türkiye.
That success was founded on their big trio of Arella Guirantes, Amani McGee Stafford and Trinity San Antonio all posting big contributions at the same time. If they can repeat this in the next game against China, then who knows?
Maybe they can cause an upset and make the Quarter-Finals like in Sydney and that would be amazing.
11. Korea (+2)
It feels like a long-time ago since they had that stunning 18-point win against Nigeria. And while they've not won since, they've still played attractive basketball and could yet ruin the party for Germany and another huge crowd.
The way they move the ball and move off the ball is so distinctive and if Jihyun Park and Leeseul Kang have big games, then it would not be that much of a surprise if they did reach the Quarter-Finals.
It is maybe the challenge of dealing with the big German frontcourt and a partisan Berlin Arena they will find most difficult to handle.
10. Italy (-1)
Whatever happens in the remainder of this tournament, everyone will remember the performance against USA when Italy came so, so close to an epic upset. It was an incredible game and they played with so much heart.
The reality is that they looked like they had a basketball hangover in their last game against China when they started slow and never recovered. If they can re-group and reset, then they could give Australia a seriously tough test.
But they need to accept that they must somehow discover their identity again - both physically and mentally.
9. Hungary (+2)
You have to hand it to Hungary, who have shown incredible resilience and character. After waiting 28 years to return, the air came straight out of the balloon in spectacular fashion as they were hammered by France on Day 1.
But they bounced back brilliantly to pick up successive wins against Nigeria and Korea, helped by super support from the fans in the stands.
Their twin towers of Dorka Juhasz and Virag Takacs-Kiss have been fantastic, but they must look after the ball better as a team to survive against Japan and ride their way into the Quarter-Finals.
8. Japan (-)
Since squeezing past Mali in an opening day thriller with their record-breaking three-point shooting effort, Japan have stuttered and not hit top gear again. Even if they edge Hungary in what looks like a coin-toss, they face USA.
That is a major barrier to going deeper than the Quarter-Finals. But getting past Hungary might prove too much too. It's hard to call. Can Japan shut down the in-form Juhasz and Takacs-Kiss? Perhaps most importantly, can the Japan guards re-discover their mojo?
Looking after the ball, sharing the ball and making some shots? They have to.
7. China (-1)
Moving China down after their resounding win against Italy might seem harsh, but hey, they will face France in the Quarter-Finals if they ease past Puerto Rico. Stopping a high-flying France looks to be near impossible right now.
Plus, China probably could and should have lost to Czechia. But Han Xu saved the day and anything is possible with the super 'Hanny' on the court.
The team display against Italy in their last game was much improved, but do the guards have what it takes to take the next step and push towards the podium where they stood in Sydney?
6. Germany (+1)
Who would have thought it after a nightmare 30-point loss on opening night in front of a sold-out Berlin Arena? Massive respect to Olaf Lange, his staff and players for responding by beating Japan and Mali. What a turnaround.
Let's be honest, most people were startled after the Spain defeat and worried Germany might be in big trouble and fail to win a game. But backed by some truly incredible support, the players have shown courage to get back on track.
Korea are tough and move the ball well, but an opportunity take a historic first ever top eight finish is in play.
5. Australia (-)
Credit to Sandy Brondello and her Opals team for handling some absences and injuries, even if it has them looking even further away from the podium. A return for Alanna Smith is surely a deal-breaker if they want another medal.
They've won the games they should have won and came up short against Belgium. Not a surprise, after losing key players. They must shoot the baller better from the arc when they face a very dangerous Italy.
They also need individuals to step up defensively if they want to emerge from a possible Quarter-Final clash against Spain.
4. Spain (-1)
Will the real Spain please stand up? Or did it already with that super bounce back display against Japan? Of course there is no ignoring that shock Mali loss and it means they have been dislodged from the predicted podium.
There is also the added complication of potentially facing a tough Opals team in the Quarter-Finals. The good news is that Spain did re-discover their DNA in the last game. They also have two of the best rising stars in the global game breathing fire again.
With Awa Fam and Iyana Martin in situ, Spain will continue to be big challengers.
3. Belgium (+1)
No team has hopped on and off the Power Rankings podium quite like the Cats. Still unbeaten and safely into the Quarter-Finals, Belgium are back on the third step again. That would mean yet another historic chapter with a first ever global medal if it happens.
Can they conquer this last frontier and harness the passion of super fan support?
Emma Meesseman continues in her usual role as a tour de force for this group, Julie Allemand is smashing dime delivery records, while many others are also coming up with nice displays too.
If they execute and steer clear of injuries and foul trouble to their key players, another amazing chapter could be written into the Cats' history book.
2. USA (-1)
It's just a knee-jerk reaction to USA almost losing for the first time in 20 years against Italy and with their lowest points tally since the introduction of the three-point line in 1984 - right? Welll, that's only part of the story. It's also due to France looking so, so good. Remember, USA won Olympic gold with A'ja Wilson and by only a single bucket.
Of course USA are stacked with amazing talent and there's every chance they'll still finish with yet another World Cup crown. But on-court connections still look like a work in progress. Also, can they handle what will be ever more intense and quality defensive pressure from their future opponents?
It's set up for a spectacular final weekend.
1. France (+1)
Questions were asked about what France needed to close the small gap between themselves and USA after Paris 2024. That answer looks to be their incredible defensive prowess - both individually and collectively. They have shown they can dominate and take control in games. Offensively, they've made record-breaking noise from deep.
Gabby Williams is such a leader - especially defensively. Dominique Malonga looks longer and better every time she plays, Marine Johannes is having fun, the energy of Laila Lacan is infectious and impactful - and so on. On the the evidence so far, there's a case for France winning it all.
Or, did we just overbake this French basketball cake?
Disclaimer: The Power Rankings are entirely subjective and are in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
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