BERLIN (Germany) - The moment the balls were drawn and FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 groups were revealed, all eyes inside Kraftwerk Berlin at the German capital turned to one team in particular: the host nation.
We just heard that the arenas will be sold out in the Group Phase. I think this will help us
Placed in Group A alongside Spain, Japan, and Mali, Germany's path was instantly labeled as one of the most intriguing - and demanding - of the tournament. And within moments, the reactions reflected exactly that balance of excitement and realism.
For Germany’s Svenja Brunckhorst, the draw represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
"It’s exciting, it's one step closer to the World Cup," she said after the ceremony. "Now we know who we face and I think the group is tough… Spain, Japan, Mali - that’s good teams.
"I think it's a great group. I'm looking forward to the games."
There was no hesitation when asked to grade the difficulty. "If A is easy, then it's a D," Brunckhorst admitted with a smile. "Yeah, I think it’s a tough one - but I think it’s still capable."
That word - capable - may define Germany’s mindset heading into September. Familiarity with their opponents offers belief: recent clashes with Japan, including on the Olympic stage, and a rivalry with Spain provide a foundation of experience rather than uncertainty. It’s not just about surviving the group - it’s about rising to it.
And if there is one factor that could tilt the balance, it is the stage itself.
Germany will not just compete - they will host.
"We just heard that the arenas will be sold out in the Group Phase. I think this will help us," Brunckhorst added. "We are really looking forward to great games, a lot of spectators, and I hope it will help the team to win some games."
The energy of a home crowd can elevate - but it can also weigh heavily. That dual reality was echoed by Álex Mumbrú. He knows firsthand what it means to play under the spotlight of a home FIBA event, as the head coach of the men's national team at EuroBasket 2022.
"When you play at home, you have the good things - everybody pushes you, you have a lot of supporters,"
"But you also have a lot of pressure. You need to be in a good mentality in the games, in the whole tournament," said Mumbru.
It’s a delicate balance. One that goes beyond tactics or matchups.
"They need to not only prepare the games, but they need to prepare mentally for situations that will be tough in some moments, for sure," Mumbrú added.
And the challenge will arrive immediately. Germany opens their campaign against Spain - a matchup layered with history, rivalry, and stakes.
"It's a tough group," Mumbrú said. "Japan are one of the best teams. Spain, Germany, Mali… it's a very tough group.
"Germany starts with Spain. For sure, they are ready to play. They like to play these kind of games, and to open the World Championship is difficult."
Yet, in that difficulty lies the opportunity to define the tournament from day one.
For Germany, this is more than just another appearance on the global stage. It is a moment shaped by rising expectations, fueled by recent success in German basketball, and amplified by the roar of a home crowd.
The draw has set the tone: no easy paths, no quiet starts - just high-level basketball from the opening tip.
And as Berlin prepares to welcome the world, Germany already knows one thing for certain - the journey won’t be easy.
But it will be theirs.
FIBA