MIES (Switzerland) - The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments are almost here and that means an opportunity to see the biggest names in the sport fighting it out at the highest level. An array of stars are ready to take to the floor in San Juan and we've picked out just some of the ballers to put on your must-watch list.
You can also use the fan poll below to cast your vote and let us know who you think will have the biggest impact at this tournament.
Caitlin Clark - USA
GUARD
Birth Date: January 22, 2002 (24 years old) Height: 1.83m (6ft 0in)
Has there ever been a more highly anticipated senior debut than what we're all waiting for with Clark? Having excelled at FIBA youth level as an U19 Worlds MVP, she has since achieved stratospheric levels of recognition for her amazing guard skills and shooting ability. All eyes will be fixed firmly on her in San Juan.
Paige Bueckers - USA
GUARD
Birth Date: October 21, 2001 (24 years old) Height: 1.83m (6ft 0in)
Another superstar set to make a FIBA debut, the first footsteps of Bueckers is also rightly being hyped to an unprecedented level. Another FIBA U19 Worlds MVP who has attracted incredible levels of attention for her talent and performances at UConn, the guard looks more than capable of picking up USA's backcourt baton.
Arella Guirantes - Puerto Rico
GUARD
Birth Date: October 15, 1997 (28 years old) Height: 1.80m (5ft 11in)
A fabulous player who scored more than 18 points per game at Sydney 2022, Guirantes will take the love of the home fans in San Juan and continue her journey as a standout leader. If she is on top form, Puerto Rico have a guard that can provide them with the firepower and creativity needed to punch their ticket for Berlin.
Khadija Faye - Senegal
CENTER
Birth Date: November 5, 2002 (23 years old) Height: 1.92m (6ft 4in)
Faye might not be someone usually touted as a standout star, but opportunity knocks for the frontcourt ace. Averaging a near season double-double at club level in the highly rated Spanish league, she is taking big steps in her game and Senegal will be eager for her to translate that onto the international stage.
Esra McGoldrick - New Zealand
FORWARD
Birth Date: October 24, 1999 (25 years old) Height: 1.87m (6ft 2in)
The forward often doesn't get the wider recognition her performances deserve. Those in the Tall Ferns camp appreciate her value and her excellent displays at FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 underscore why she's important. McGoldrick brings the noise at both ends of the court and will be both a primary scorer and big on the glass.
Lorela Cubaj - Italy
CENTER
Birth Date: January 8, 1999 (27 years old) Height: 1.92m (6ft 4in)
Cubaj has become an effective go-to option in the paint. One of the leading performers during Italy's epic ride to a first podium finish in three decades at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025, her size and strength make her a tough proposition for defenders. She also plays with a big passion and will drive her team to success.
Cecilia Zandalasini - Italy
GUARD
Birth Date: March 16, 1996 (29 years old) Height: 1.86m (6ft 1in)
Even if Zandalasini rarely puts up the epic scoring performances that characterized her earlier years in an Italian vest, her leadership role is priceless. At the heart of last year's FIBA Women's EuroBasket bronze, her ability to shift the momentum of games and make deal-breaking clutch shots remains so valuable for her team.
Raquel Carrera - Spain
FORWARD / CENTER
Birth Date: October 31, 2001 (24 years old) Height: 1.90m (6ft 3in)
With frontcourt competition fierce with the emergence of rising star Awa Fam and arrival of the naturalized Megan Gustafson, watch for Carrera turning up the dial. A fine player capable of game-winning displays, her 31 points in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Quarter-Finals underlines that aspect perfectly.
Trinity San Antonio - Puerto Rico
GUARD
Birth Date: October 28, 2003 (22 years old) Height: 1.74m (5ft 9in)
Puerto Rico will probably need to play with high energy and if they're looking for the spark and verve in their game, then San Antonio can deliver it. The guard impressed at Paris 2024 and is kicking on now as a key baller for her country. She can score, bring the noise on defense and will be an all-around positive force.
Maria Conde - Spain
SMALL FORWARD
Birth Date: January 14, 1997 (29 years old) Height: 1.86m (6ft 1in)
After missing FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 with injury, Conde has since put in another excellent club season in EuroLeague Women. Arguably not always playing her best basketball in a Spanish jersey, this could be the time for her to deliver. She has the talent and experience on the wing to be a big difference-maker.
The final rosters will be officially confirmed on the eve of the respective Qualifying Tournaments. The players selected are not guaranteed to participate, with the list above for fan engagement purposes only.
FIBA