ISTANBUL (Türkiye) - The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul promises to be one of the most entertaining and nerve-shredding, with little to choose between the participating teams.
With an epic scramble for Berlin tickets lying in wait, it's time to deliver the lowdown on what is effectively a 'Group of Death' and almost impossible to predict on paper.
How will things unfold for Australia, Türkiye, Canada, Japan, Argentina and Hungary?
The Favorite: Australia
The Opals already have a ticket for the Berlin big show safely in their pocket, so don't have to deal with the same pressure as other teams. Meanwhile they've also named a group of players that still shows they mean business.
Their lineup will be packed with quality and experience, so they look like the team to beat. They have seasoned backcourt campaigners like Steph Talbot and Sami Whitcomb - as well as one of the biggest and deepest frontcourt rotations in the women's global game with Alanna Smith, Ezi Magbegor and Cayla George.
The Underdog: Argentina
After finishing fourth at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2025, there's no doubt Argentina were more than likely going to be viewed as underdogs at whatever Qualifying Tournament they were drawn in.
But they must be wondering what they did to get the bad luck of being put into this pool, which sees their chances so, so slim. They surely don't have the scoring power, defensive matchups or depth to advance.
The Pivotal Game: Türkiye vs Japan
Both teams dare not lose this one. Of course, one must suck up a stinging defeat that could leave their dreams in the balance. The contrast in styles will be intriguing, with Türkiye no doubt desperate to control the tempo and make it more of a balanced half-court game, dictated by Sevgi Uzun and the newly naturalized Kamiah Smalls.
As for Japan, they will play trademark high-tempo, try to run the hosts off the floor and look to make it rain from three-point range. This one is shaping up to be a delicious matchup for fans watching worldwide, not just in Istanbul.
The Superstar: Ezi Magbegor
There are plenty of ballers to choose from and Australia's center is at the top of the list. Signing off at Paris 2024 with an epic display to secure her country bronze, the prospect of Magbegor returning to Opals action is hugely exciting. She has all the attributes to make a big impact in Istanbul and potentially take the TISSOT MVP honor.
The Rising Star: Kokoro Tanaka
What a Cinderella story it has been for the young gun in this past year or so. Being pulled from the squad heading to the U19 Worlds, Tanaka was thrust into the senior team at FIBA Women's Asia Basket 2025 and responded with an outstanding contribution. She ended up scoring 21 points in the title game and grabbing an All-Star Five place.
Did you know?
- Argentina, Türkiye and Hungary are playing at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament for the first time.
- Bridget Carleton of Canada was the third highest scorer at the 2022 edition of the Qualifying Tournaments with 20 points per outing.
- Reflecting the super-competitive pool of teams in Istanbul, all six nations are within the top 27 of the FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE.
FIBA