MIAMI (United States) – The FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2026 will bring together eight national teams at Arena Astros in Guadalajara from August 17-23, all competing for the tournament's lone berth to the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments 2028. Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand and South Sudan make up Group A, while Canada, Mexico, the Philippines and Senegal will compete in Group B. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Semi-Finals, where every game becomes win-or-go-home.
Here's a closer look at how the teams stack up and the key storylines in each group.
Group A
The Favorite: Argentina
Argentina enters the tournament riding a wave of confidence after capturing the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2027 South American Qualifiers title for the second consecutive edition. The Albiceleste played consistent basketball throughout the tournament and delivered a major statement by eliminating Brazil in the Semi-Finals before lifting the trophy on home soil.
The core of the squad remains generally unchanged. They will once again be led by Melisa Gretter, who was recently named MVP of the South American Qualifiers, alongside Florencia Chagas, a member of the tournament's All-Star Five. Although Argentina finished 1-4 at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Turkey and suffered a heavy defeat to Canada, the team arrives with renewed confidence as one of the strongest groups they have had in years.
The Underdog: South Sudan
South Sudan enters the tournament as the least experienced international team in the group and the lowest-ranked participant (42nd in the FIBA World Ranking). The African side went winless (0-5) at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in China.
Still, South Sudan boasts an intriguing frontcourt with impressive size. Nyamer Diew, Adut Bulgak and Maria Gakdeng headline a roster eager to take the next step and prove the team can compete with more established international opponents.
The Pivotal Game: Brazil vs. Argentina
Everything points to the August 20 showdown between Brazil and Argentina deciding first place in Group A. Both teams return much of the roster that recently competed in the South American Qualifiers, where Argentina defeated Brazil 72-66 in the Semi-Finals.
Brazil arrives with unfinished business after settling for the bronze medal—an unusual result for a continental powerhouse that finished outside of the top two of the South American Championship for the first time since 1962. The Brazilians will also be without stars Kamilla Cardoso and Damiris Dantas, meaning Aaliyah Guyton, Bella Nascimento, and Aline Moura will be expected to shoulder larger roles.
Who Could Surprise?: New Zealand
New Zealand has the potential to upset expectations. Although the Tall Ferns finished 0-5 at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, they feature a young core that continues to gain valuable international experience.
Ella Tofaeono will once again lead the offense alongside Emilia Shearer. Meanwhile, the senior national team debuts teenagers Florence Dallow (18) and Imani Rasmussen (17), who are fresh off the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026. This adds another exciting dimension to a roster that will look to surprise opponents with energy and pace.
Group B
The Favorite: Canada
Canada enters as the highest-ranked team in the tournament (7th in the FIBA World Ranking). The team is eager to bounce back after a disappointing fifth-place finish (2-3) at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Turkey.
While several regulars are unavailable due to WNBA commitments, the roster still features an excellent blend of veteran leadership and young talent. Kayla Alexander and Shaina Pellington provide experience, while Syla Swords, Jasmine Bascoe and Delaney Gibb represent both the present and future of one of the deepest teams in the competition.
The Underdog: Mexico
Mexico will look to capitalize on home-court advantage in the quest to finish among the top two in the group. The host nation recently claimed the silver medal at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers and continues to show steady improvement.
Mariana Valenzuela, Destiny Pitts and Anisa Jeffries lead a team that has already proven they can perform in front of home fans. In 2024 at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament, also held in Mexico, the hosts reached the Semi-Finals and earned an impressive victory over New Zealand.
The Pivotal Game: Canada vs. Senegal
The tournament opener between Canada and Senegal could shape the entire outlook of Group B. Both teams are considered strong contenders to finish in the top two, and an opening-day victory would provide a significant advantage heading into the remainder of the group stage.
History strongly favors Canada, which has won all four previous meetings between the two nations, each played at either the Olympic Games or the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. However, Senegal welcomes back one of thier biggest stars, Cierra Dillard, who returns to lead a team that also features Yacine Diop and Khadija Faye.
Who Could Surprise?: Philippines
The Philippines has all the ingredients to become one of the tournament's surprise teams. At the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in France, Gilas Women earned a victory over Colombia and showed significant progress.
Much of the spotlight will be on Kacey Dela Rosa, who delivered an outstanding performance in that tournament and now looks to establish herself amongst the competition's top post players. Combined with the return of Jack Animam, the Philippines boasts a formidable frontcourt duo capable of matching up with anyone in the paint.
FIBA