GUADALAJARA (Mexico) – Brazil and New Zealand secured the final two spots in the Semi-finals of the FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2026 from Group A on Thursday, August 20. Brazil defeated Argentina 58-53 to finish atop the group, while New Zealand came from behind to beat South Sudan 82-74 and finish second. They joined Canada and Mexico, who had already secured their Semi-final berths from Group B on the previous day. The Semi-final matchups will be determined once the final Group Phase game between Canada and Mexico is complete for first place in Group B.
Brazil responds in time
Brazil had to overcome a difficult start in Guadalajara. They fell to South Sudan 63-61 in overtime on opening day, but responded with consecutive wins over New Zealand (56-53) and Argentina to finish the Group Phase at the top of Group A.
The win over Argentina was particularly meaningful, coming just over a week after the Argentines eliminated Brazil in the Semi-finals of the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2027 South American Qualifiers. Bella Nascimento was the standout player in the victory. The shooting guard scored 23 points with outstanding efficiency, going 1-of-2 on two-point attempts, 4-of-5 from three-point range and 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. Across Brazil's three games, Nascimento led the team in scoring at 16.3 points per game and an efficiency rating of 11.3, while also averaging 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Aaliyah Guyton also played a key role in Brazil's qualification, finishing the Group Phase with averages of 15.7 points, 4.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game.
Shearer leads New Zealand's comeback
New Zealand needed a major comeback to secure second place. After opening the tournament with a convincing win over Argentina (57-35) and falling by just three points to Brazil, the Oceanians had to overcome a deficit against South Sudan to win. Emilia Shearer was the driving force behind the comeback. The forward exploded in the fourth quarter, scoring 17 of her 32 points in the final period, and finished the game 7-of-14 from the field and a perfect 16-of-16 from the free-throw line. She also added 4 rebounds and 1 steal.
Her performance allowed her to finish the Group Phase as New Zealand's leading scorer at 19.0 points per game. She also led the team with an efficiency rating of 15.7. Lauren Whittaker was also a key contributor for New Zealand throughout the first phase. She averaged 13.0 points and 10.3 rebounds, with an efficiency rating of 11.7, helping Shearer lead the team into the Semi-finals.
FIBA