FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025 – Team Profile: Chile

MIAMI (United States) – Among all the teams competing in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025, Chile enters with the lowest position in the FIBA Women’s World Ranking, presented by Nike. Chile currently sits at No. 70 globally and No. 14 in the Americas. However, it’s worth noting that Chile was also the region’s biggest climber in the most recent update, jumping nine spots. The hosts arrive with the clear goal of making a positive impression in front of their home fans, fully aware that they are not among the current favorites. The 2024 South American Women’s Championship was their most recent tournament, which was also hosted on home soil. Chile finished fifth after beating Uruguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Paraguay. However, they were outmatched by powerhouses Brazil and Argentina.

A major positive for “La Roja” is their extensive preparation. No other team has trained longer for this tournament. Throughout 2025, players have held monthly training camps with the coaching staff and played several friendly games to stay sharp.

Tournament history

This will be Chile’s 10th appearance at the top continental level. The team debuted in 1993, with its most recent appearance in 2015, when Chile finished eighth. Its best finishes were two fifth-place results in 1995 and 2001.

Players to watch

Chile will be without its top two performers from the South American Championship: Fernanda Ovalle (12.8 points, 6.8 rebounds) and Tatiana Gómez (12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds). Ovalle has commitments with the national 3x3 team, while Gómez is sidelined with an injury. In their absence, Bárbara Cousiño and Catalina Pérez are expected to lead the team. Cousiño averaged 8.8 points (37% from three), 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists at the South American Championship. Pérez posted nearly identical numbers: 8.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals.

Other players likely to step up and contribute are Javiera Campos, Josefina Cortés, and Constanza Cárdenas. The latter two helped Chilean club Sportiva Italiana finish fourth in the recent Women’s Basketball League Americas.

Head coach: Cristian Santander

Now in his second stint as head coach of Chile’s women’s national team, Santander has also previously coached the men’s squad. He’ll need to navigate the team’s current absences and find the right formula for success. While there’s no pressure in terms of results—given the strength of their opponents—there is an expectation that the team will remain competitive and leave a positive impression as part of its long-term development.

One advantage is the strong familiarity between the coach and the players. Thanks to the year-long training blocks, the group has developed solid chemistry and cohesion.

Outlook

The absence of top players significantly affects Chile’s chances, and advancing beyond the group stage will be a major challenge. They’ll need a strong push from the home crowd in their Group B games—especially against opponents like Mexico and Colombia, who appear more beatable on paper. Puerto Rico and the United States, however, are expected to be on another level.

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