By the numbers: Women's World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments

    5 min to read
    Preview
    Philippines will appear for the first time at the Qualifying Tournaments

    We check out some of the most interesting numbers ahead of the curtain being raised on plenty of amazing action.

    MIES (Switzerland) - The second edition of the FIBA Basketball Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments is coming into focus and so it's the perfect time to take a look at just some of the interesting numbers surrounding the highly anticipated event.

    Taking place across four locations globally, the Tournaments will take place March 11-17 in Wuhan, China; Lyon-Villeurbanne, France; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Istanbul, Türkiye. The prize on offer is a place at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany during September.

    0 - The Tournament hosts who've missed the big show... so far

    Serbia hosted at the last edition and pushed on to book their spot for Sydney 2022

    Yes, all three Qualifying Tournament host nations last time featured at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney, Australia. They were Serbia, Japan and USA. Will that flawless record be retained this time around and see 2026 hosts Puerto Rico, China, France and Türkiye all book their spots for the main show in Berlin?

    5 - The number of countries already guaranteed to feature in Berlin

    There are five nations who will all feature in these Qualifying Tournaments, but know they will get to take to the court for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026. They are Germany as hosts along with last year's Continental champions, Australia, Belgium, Nigeria and USA. That leaves 11 tickets still to be punched and talking of the number 11....

    11 - The biggest block party in FIBA women's basketball history

    There's every chance that 11 blocks by a player will never be repeated in a FIBA women's international game at the highest level - such was the mind-blowing nature of what Ji Su Park did in Belgrade. Her astonishing 11 blocks for Korea in a 76-74 win against Brazil was an all-time legendary display in itself - let alone as part of a triple-double after the center claimed 20 points and 13 rebounds.

    11 - Nations making their debut at the Qualifying Tournaments

    Hungary will step out having won one of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournaments

    There will be plenty of new faces at the event, with Colombia, New Zealand, Hungary, South Sudan. Philippines, Türkiye, Germany, Argentina, Senegal, Czechia and Italy all appearing for the first time.

    15 - Record number of dimes dished in a game

    Siyu Wang of China handed out a staggering 15 assists in a matchup against France when her team produced one of the most impressive results in the competition by sweeping aside their opponents 103-70 in Belgrade. The guard also accumulated a sparkling double-double by racking up 10 points.

    20 - When Japan made it rain from long-range

    They may have suffered a shock 87-82 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Osaka, but Japan had the hot-hand from downtown and sunk a stellar 20 three-pointers in the contest. Can anyone make it rain even harder this time around?

    36 - The record points total in a game after JJ showed out

    Jonquel Jones engaged 'Beast Mode' for Bosnia and Herzegovina as she poured in 36 points in what was a huge upset for her team against Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalists, Japan. It was an extraordinary display as she harvested a jaw-dropping 23 rebounds as well.

    60 - The number of games in the Qualifying Tournaments

    Puerto Rico will have the backing of their home fans as they get set to compete on home soil in San Juan

    These upcoming Qualifying Tournaments are going to be a real treat for fans with so many unmissable contests scheduled across five gamedays on March 11, 12, 14, 15 and 17. And spread out around the globe across four different locations, it's close to 15 matchups 24/7 on gamedays!

    6,600,000 - Combined IG followers of Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers

    Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers have played together at youth level and will now ball at senior level with USA

    Yes, 6.6 million followers is an astonishing number and reflective of the hype, anticipation and love that surrounds these exciting athletes in everything they do.

    Read more on Clark and Bueckers playing for USA

    Clark and Bueckers handed USA senior debuts for World Cup Qualifying Tournament

    This includes their role now of being the new generation that is set to pick up the USA baton in the backcourt. All eyes will be locked on the duo's every move!

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