BERLIN (Germany) - The first pool of FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 teams looks like it could be the most entertaining of all, with very little to choose between the participating nations.
While not quite enough to warrant 'Group of Death' status, it looks highly unpredictable on paper. Group A looks primed to serve up some sensational games - with the added spice of what will be passionate home support for Germany.
How will things unfold for the host nation, Japan, Mali and Spain?
The Favorite: Spain
Tough to call, especially since Spain didn't even manage to feature at Sydney 2022, Spain will probably be slight favorites to finish on top. They only just missed out on being crowned FIBA Women's EuroBasket champions last year, beat Germany on the way to silver and have a great coach and mix of experience and youth.
Miguel Mendez will put his faith in a combination of a veteran core that includes the likes of Mariona Ortiz, Alba Torrens and Maria Conde - all alongside the dynamic new generation of young guns like Awa Fam and Iyana Martin. As ever, it will likely be Spain's relentless defense that will take them to the top of the Group A table.
The Underdog: Mali
If there is little to pick between Spain, Germany and Japan (in theory at least), there's slightly more daylight between this trio and Mali. That earns them the underdogs badge - but it is one they will embrace and use as fuel to upset their group rivals. Having only beaten fellow African side Senegal at the 2010 edition, new round beckons.
If any of their opponents are not in top gear, Mali could take full advantage. They sailed past Czechia in the Qualifying Tournament and almost toppled Brazil. With Sika Kone and Maimouna Haidara a super one-two punch, it's worth flagging there were four players that posted double-digit scoring returns in Wuhan back in March.
The Pivotal Game: Germany vs Japan
This could be such a pivotal one for both nations. It's inevitable that it will determine who finished in spots 1-3, but also brings together two completely different teams when it comes to style of basketball and personnel.
Germany have such size on the wings and in the frontcourt, even if the likely absence of the Sabally sisters will be a big blow. Meanwhile Japan always have the capacity to make it rain or run opponents off the floor. It would be a shock if this is not one of the games of the tournament.
The Superstar: Mai Yamamoto (Japan)
There are plenty of great players to choose from, but there's a sense that for Japan to advance, they will need their marquee baller to really bring her 'A-game'. When Yamamoto went to work in the Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul, it saved Japan's skin.
She helped them win their last two games (having lost the first three) and if she maintains the hot hand, she could ensure the momentum is maintained. The guard has such a good scoring touch either from outside or getting downhill, and can also create for others - meaning Japan probably can't live without a big show from her.
The Rising Star: Awa Fam (Spain)
There's a real buzz about the frontcourt ace stepping out at the event for the first time, not least because of the way she made a splash on her FIBA Women's EuroBasket debut last year. Her power, athleticism and evolving skills are seeing Fam establish herself as a big option for Spain in the paint.
Did you know?
- Mali have more World Cup appearances to their name than Germany, with the former appearing at their third edition and the host nation appearing for only the second time.
- Spain won three consecutive World Cup medals with bronze in 2010, silver in 2014 and bronze in 2018 before reeling from the shock of missing out altogether and failing to qualify in 2022.
- Even if they were already guaranteed a ticket as hosts, Germany had the best record of any Group A team in the Qualifying Tournaments, with a 4-1 record attained in Lyon-Villeurbanne.
FIBA