MIAMI (United States) – The FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2026 will bring together some of the top talents in international women's basketball in Guadalajara, Mexico. Some arrive after starring for their national teams, while others are coming off standout seasons in professional and collegiate leagues. However, all are expected to play pivotal roles in the race for the tournament's lone berth to the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments 2028.
Melisa Gretter – Argentina
Date of birth: January 24, 1993 Position: Point Guard Height: 167 cm / 5'6" Club: CAB Estepona (ESP) The veteran floor general enters the tournament in outstanding form. Just days ago, she led Argentina to the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2027 South American Qualifiers title, earning MVP honors after averaging 11.0 points, a tournament-best 7.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Gretter is the engine of the Argentine offense, controlling the tempo while creating opportunities for her teammates.
Kayla Alexander – Canada
Date of birth: January 5, 1991 Position: Center Height: 193 cm / 6'4" Club: Toronto Tempo (USA) Canada will once again rely on Alexander's presence in the paint. The veteran center led the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Turkey in rebounding with 9.0 boards per game while also contributing 10.6 points. Her international experience and ability to dominate inside make her one of the tournament's premier players.
Jack Animam – Philippines
Date of birth: November 27, 1998 Position: Center Height: 195 cm / 6'5" Club: Denso Iris (JPN) After missing the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in France, Animam returns to strengthen the Philippines' frontcourt. She impressed at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025, averaging 10.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.2 blocks, showcasing her major impact on both ends of the floor, especially defensively.
Cierra Dillard – Senegal
Date of birth: May 8, 1996 Position: Point Guard Height: 175 cm / 5'9" Club: Alexandria (EGY) Senegal welcomes back one of their biggest stars. Dillard also missed this year's World Cup Qualifying Tournament but returns after being named to the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025 All-Star Five, where she averaged 13.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.0 steals— the tournament's second-best mark. Her playmaking ability and defensive instincts will be crucial for the African side.
Adut Bulgak – South Sudan
Date of birth: December 20, 1992 Position: Center Height: 193 cm / 6'4" Club: Azul Marino Viajes Mallorca Sant Josep (ESP) South Sudan boasts one of the tournament's most reliable post players in Bulgak. She averaged 11.0 points and 8.2 rebounds at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in China, reaffirming her importance to the team. She also enjoyed a strong season in Spain, posting 11.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Syla Swords – Canada
Date of birth: January 28, 2006 Position: Shooting Guard Height: 183 cm / 6'0" Club: University of Michigan (USA) Despite her young age, Swords is already one of Canada's brightest prospects. She returns to the national team after missing the World Cup Qualifying Tournament, fresh off being named to the All-Big Ten First Team during her sophomore season at the University of Michigan. A member of the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2025 All-Star Five and an Olympian at Paris 2024, she represents both Canada's present and future.
Aaliyah Guyton – Brazil
Date of birth: May 27, 2006 Position: Point Guard Height: 168 cm / 5'6" Club: Illinois State University (USA) Guyton enjoyed a dream debut with Brazil's senior national team. At the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2027 South American Qualifiers, she averaged 14.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists, earning a spot on the All-Star Five while helping Brazil capture the bronze medal. Her development continues after completing her sophomore NCAA season, her first at Illinois State.
Kacey Dela Rosa – Philippines
Date of birth: March 1, 2004 Position: Center Height: 183 cm / 6'0" Club: Ateneo de Manila University (PHI) Few players enter the tournament with more momentum than Dela Rosa. At the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in France, she ranked third in scoring with 15.6 points per game while leading the tournament in both rebounds (8.6) and blocks (2.2). She will now look to build on that performance and establish herself as one of the Philippines' premier players.
Mariana Valenzuela – Mexico
Date of birth: April 1, 2003 Position: Power Forward Height: 188 cm / 6'2" Club: Free Agent The host nation will count heavily on Valenzuela. She was named to the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers All-Star Five after averaging 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, having previously earned MVP honors at the FIBA COCABA Women's Championship 2025. She also comes off an outstanding collegiate season at Seton Hall, where she was a unanimous All-Big East First Team selection.
Ella Tofaeono – New Zealand
Date of birth: March 11, 1998 Position: Power Forward Height: 180 cm / 5'10" Club: Townsville Heat/Flames (AUS) New Zealand will look to Tofaeono to spearhead much of the offense. She was her team's standout performer at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, averaging 11.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Her versatility and ability to contribute across multiple areas of the game make her an indispensable piece for the Tall Ferns.
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