BERLIN (Germany) - Italy will take to the court at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 determined to maximize the opportunity in front of them after finally ending what has been a frustrating and surprise appearance drought on the big stage.
They last stepped out at the global level in 1996 for the Olympic Games, two years after their last World Cup appearance. But Italy are now back on the rise after landing a first FIBA Women's EuroBasket medal since the 1990's last year.
That brilliant bronze could be part of an overdue basketball renaissance and Italy will be keen to make an impression in Berlin. They have a strong team ethic, an experienced star in Cecilia Zandalsini and plenty of options off the bench.
How they qualified
Italy did the business in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in San Juan. They did a tremendous job of winning four of their five games - including a huge success over European rivals Spain, with their only defeat coming against the mighty USA.
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament (San Juan, Puerto Rico) Gameday 1: Italy 78-41 Puerto Rico (W) Game Report Gameday 2: New Zealand 51-74 Italy (W) Game Report Gameday 3: USA 93-59 Italy (L) Game Report Gameday 4: Italy 68-56 Spain (W) Game Report Gameday 5: Senegal 35-85 Italy (W) Game Report
Women's World Cup pedigree
Number of participations (including 2026): 6
Last participation: 1994 (11th)
Best finish: 4th (1975)
Podium finishes: None
Current FIBA World Ranking for Women, presented by Nike: 14th
Last 10 FIBA events
Year | Event | Location | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Piraeus, Greece | 3rd |
2024 | Olympic Games | Paris, France | Did not participate |
2023 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Ljubljana, Slovenia | 9th |
2022 | FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup | Sydney, Australia | Did not participate |
2021 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Valencia, Spain | 9th |
2020 | Olympic Games | Tokyo, Japan | Did not participate |
2019 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Belgrade, Serbia | 9th |
2018 | FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup | Tenerife, Spain | Did not participate |
2017 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Prague, Czechia | 7th |
2016 | Olympic Games | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Did not participate |
The Group Phase
The biggest barrier for Italy is the draw they were handed for their overdue gobal return. They must face both of the 2022 Finalists in the shape of USA and China which will be hugely difficult. It's also why their opener with Czechia looks to be almost a must-win matchup from the very first jump ball.
Group Phase Games Czechia vs Italy (Sep 4) Italy vs USA (Sep 5) Italy vs China (Sep 7)
Players to watch
One of the most talented players to have ever worn an Italian vest, Cecilia Zandalasini is a baller who can shift the momentum of games and put the team on her back when needed.
While not quite as prolific as she was earlier in her career, this is maybe because she now plays with maturity and as a leader with many important contributions to make in other areas. Italy need her to be in top form to advance.
The team delivered a great display to take that precious EuroBasket Women's bronze, but it was largely founded on a one-two punch of Zandalasini and center Lorela Cubaj.
The latter has moved up a gear lately and is delivering against the potential she had when younger. Strong, fiercely competitive and anchoring her country inside the paint, if she continues to breathe fire, she could record a standout tournament.
Fear and Hope
The fear is that after such a long wait, the pressure to deliver will be so intense and Italy don't handle it very well - especially during a must-win opener with Czechia. There is zero margin for error because of the draw and that means they have to be locked in, delivering and composed from the very first second of this tournament.
The hope is that they have precious momentum. Not only from their success at Continental level last year, but also from the Qualifying Tournament when they went 4-1. This feeds into the crunch game against China, who will be favorites, but Italy have what it takes to push them hard. Especially if they shoot the ball well from downtown.
FIBA