ISTANBUL (Türkiye ) - The hopes of Japan are hanging in the balance after suffering successive losses on their first two outings at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul.
An opening day 77-65 defeat to Hungary was then followed by an 81-71 reverse at the hands of Australia, meaning the Asian side are looking to make it third time lucky when they face Türkiye next on Saturday.
But despite being behind the curve in the so-called 'Group of Death' survival and a ticket to Berlin is still within reach - and here are some reasons why.
You can also cast your vote in the fan poll below and let us know if you think they will make it - or not.
Tanaka is ready to take over
Rising star Kokoro Tanaka showed her potential with a sensational senior tournament debut at FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 and has carried that form into her first outing on the senior global stage.
Making the All-Star Five last year, she has shown why in Istanbul with some flashes of brilliance - including with a team-high 17 points against the Opals. She may only be 20 years-old, but the guard already looks capable of taking over and becoming the centerpiece of this Japan side.
Just one poor quarter changed the whole narrative
The loss against Australia was tough to take, but the reality is that Japan actually played well for the vast majority of the game, looking more like the team from a few years ago that reached the Final at Tokyo 2020.
The 23-4 quarter against Opals came out of nowhere and was largely due to their opponents taking it up a gear. Japan just found a lid on the basket in those last 10 minutes. With this in mind, they could and should have a 1-1 record, but that last 10 minutes changed the narrative. Maybe the glass can be half-full instead of half-empty?
Machida magic can save the day
Talking about Tokyo 2020, it looks like the main architect of that famous silver medal in Rui Machida is moving back up through the gears and it could yet be her magic that saves the day for Japan.
The veteran playmaker handed out 10 assists against Australia and if she keeps rolling back the years and dishing out dimes like the old times, it could get Japan rolling towards a first win - and more.
Yamamoto is due a trademark big show
With 16 points in amost as many minutes against the Opals, Japan's potential savior is heating up and looks ready to put on an MVP performance.
Yamamoto has all the skills and attributes to come up with that one big show that gets Japan over the winning line. Will that be against Türkiye in this next critical game?
FIBA