BERLIN (Germany) - As the dust settles on the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, we're taking a moment to reflect on what is emerging as the most successful edition in history.
Looking back on the flagship tournament, here are four things we loved, plus another four things we learned from what unfolded in the German capital.
Loved: Berlin a beautiful place to be for basketball
Perhaps the most memorable part of this edition will always be the stunning and record-breaking number of fans who came to support not only host nation Germany, but women's basketball.
A new attendance record was set overall and a new high tide mark was recorded for average attendances per game. This was incredible.
But perhaps making it an even more beautiful place to watch basketball was the atmosphere around the venues, as well as inside. The fan zone, the new area for fans to greet players and the general carnival feel was something special.
Meanwhile the engagement of those who couldn't attend in person was also unprecedented.
Learned: Stewie is now center of the GOAT conversation
Already in the Women's World Cup 'greatest of all time' aka GOAT debate, Stewart moved into the very center of the conversation by making history. She became the first ever two-time TISSOT MVP with her fourth title.
She carried USA epically when it mattered most and some people had feared the holders might come up short for the first time in 20 years. As well as enriching USA's stunning legacy, she also strengthened her own. What a baller!
Loved: So many young guns rising up
It was Iyana Martin who carried the flag for the young guns in Berlin, producing a stellar display en-route to Spain taking third. She showed at both ends of the floor that she was ready for the here and now, producing some elite performances.
The guard was rewarded with an All-Star Five spot and further recognition as the Rising Star.
But it wasn't only Martin. The depth of young players who all posted positive displays in Berlin was so exciting for the future. A number of ballers filled highlights reels, with others giving a glimpse into their longer term potential.
Learned: The resilience of Germany and Spain
The bouncebackability of Germany and Spain was astonishing, with ironically the former having to pick themselves up from a 30-point nightmare loss to the latter on opening day. Some feared Germany might not even win a game after this.
Instead, they made a historic run to the last four which was a staggering turnaround.
Meanwhile Spain suffered a chastening loss to Mali in one of the biggest shocks in the competition of the modern era. But instead of crumbling, they also showed fantastic resilience and rode their way to the last step of the podium to beat Germany to bronze.
The lesson is that you can never write off any teams at the very highest level.
Loved: Women's World Cup records being broken
They say records are there to be broken. In the case of the all-time game high for three-point shooting it was broken not once, but twice! Japan set a new high on opening day with 20 triples against Mali, only for France to make it rain even harder and sinks 22 buckets from downtown against Nigeria.
There was also an astonishing headline individual accomplishment for Julie Allemand of Belgium who became the all-time assists leader in the competition. Plus, many more records right across the competition to enjoy.
Learned: USA and the FIBA Smart Power Rankings
USA were incredible as they turned around that 14-point first half deficit against France to win their 12th title overall and 5th in a row.
It also put to bed the big talking point of the week when USA were selected second in the FIBA Smart Power Rankings based on concerns after their display against Italy and the red hot form of France.
It caused plenty of great debate - even if the Power Rankings are for entertainment purposes - not an official ranking.
Asked about their drop to number two heading into the Final, USA head coach Kara Lawson insisted the camp took no notice of them. But maybe after looking into it, did they use it as extra motivation? All great fun.
Loved: From Pre-Qualifying to Top 8 for Hungary
The fact that two teams in Czechia and Hungary made it all the way from the historic FIBA Women's Pre-Qualifying Tournaments to Berlin was an endorsement of the amazing opportunity the new system offers.
In the case of Hungary, they started on the 'Road to Berlin 2026' was back in 2024, then navigated the 'Group of Death' at the Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul to punch their ticket for the first time in 28 years to the main event.
Behind their twin towers Dorka Juhasz and Virag Takacs-Kiss they then made a super run to the last eight.
Learned: Tokyo 2030 is going to absolutely rock
Tokyo has big footsteps to fill after such an amazing edition in Berlin, but that also came after what was previously the most successful ever at Sydney 2022. The competition is soaring in popularity and reaching new heights.
With a change in the calendar to late November and early December, along with a revised competition schedule allowing even more time for players to rest, it promises to be another unforgettable Women's World Cup.
But even before the main, we can't wait for the 'Road to Tokyo 2030' and lapping up all the games in the Qualifiers.
FIBA