MUNICH (Germany) - Time is ticking down to the start of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and with everyone's pathway to glory now laid out, it's the ideal time for another edition of the Power Rankings.
Since the last Volume which was issued after the conclusion of the Qualifying Tournaments, the draw for the main event has thrown up so many talking points.
Taking into account that draw, the competition system and crossovers - as well as roster news and the preparation of each nation, here's how it's looking.
16. Puerto Rico (-)
After some struggles punching their ticket at the Qualifying Tournament, the reward of making it to Berlin must have been diluted slightly by being drawn against a pair of 2025 Continental champions in Australia and Belgium.
Slowing down two of the frontrunners for the podium is going to be tough. Their best chance of a shock win comes in trying to make it a slug-fest with Türkiye, because they surely don't have the firepower needed to slide past either the Opals or the Cats. But then again, defying the odds is what Puerto Rico love to do!
15. Czechia (-1)
Not convincing in the Wuhan Qualifying Tournament when they rode an epic roller-coaster before eventually getting over the line, things now look even more difficult. That's because of the serious injury to star baller Emma Cechova which is ruling her out of the competition.
Throw in some doubts over the availability of their other standout frontcourt ace Julia Reisingerova and the alarm siren is getting louder. It's a situation exacerbated by being pitched against 2022 Finalists USA and China in the Group phase. Right now, it looks like being a tough assignment in the German capital.
14. Mali (+1)
It does feel a little counterintuitive to move Mali up a spot when they were drawn with three top quality teams in Spain, Germany and Japan, But from a matchup perspective on the floor, it could have been even worse and they will feel they can put on a strong show in each outing.
Wins against Czechia, South Sudan and a close clash with Brazil in Wuhan showed making life uncomfortable for teams is in their armoury. Especially if Alima Dembele and Kamite Dabou can support headline duo Sika Kone and Maimouna Haidara again.
13. Hungary (-)
Surviving the 'Group of Death' in Istanbul was sensational. Now they're looking forward to their first World Cup appearance this century. On reflection, this might be viewed as a really harsh ranking as they so have every chance of getting a win - if not two wins during the first phase.
While France will be a hurdle they're likely to stumble against, there is no doubt that Korea and Nigeria will hold few fears. These will be crunch games. Dorka Juhasz carrries an enormous chunk of their hopes, but if others step up, they could make the Top 8. Watch this space.
12. Türkiye (-1)
After the draw, it's hard to know whether to laugh or cry if you are a Turkish fan. While there's a very winnable game against Puerto Rico, facing FIBA Women's Asia Basket champs Australia and FIBA Women's EuroBasket winners, Belgium could prove an uphill struggle.
That means a slight downwards move in the rankings, but Türkiye have the experience to defy this and make their way into the last eight. It looks almost inevitable that it will boil down to a Qualification to Quarter-Finals clash against either China or Italy.
11. Korea (+1)
There will be a strong sense of optimism from Korea heading into this competition. As well as their amazing appearance streak of 18 editions, they also have some in-form ballers to celebrate with Leeseul Kang and Jihyun Park who are both game-winners in waiting.
The draw could have been better, or indeed worse. They will feel if they shoot well, they can take down both Nigeria and Hungary, having done exactly that against the former in the Qualifying Tournament. But equally, if they don't hit a high gear, it could be difficult and another failure to make the last eight.
10. Japan (-)
You can push the play button on arguably the most entertaining group of all as Japan face hosts Germany, along with Spain and Mali. Anything is possible but unpredictability is becoming part of their DNA and that makes it impossible to call.
So unpredictable that any combination of 3-0, 0-3 and everything in between is possible. Unstoppable when they get it right, there's a lot to love about Japan's style offensively. But do they have the grit and size to dig out the wins needed to go deep in the tournament? Who knows, we're just guessing - right?
9. Italy (-3)
No nation has waited as long to return to the World Cup table, but there might be mixed emotions after being paired with USA and China. It looks a big ask on paper against the 2022 Finalists, even if short-handed Czechia is a big opportunity to seal at least one victory.
A drop of three spots in the rankings could be an overreaction and Italy will feel they can win what is a pivotal clash with China. But with headline star Cecilia Zandalasini not able to link up with her team until the last minute, it might be a tricky World Cup return.
8. Nigeria (+1)
D'Tigress do love an 8th place finish on the global stage, with it being their best ever World Cup finish (attained in 2018) and also their best Olympic finish, recorded at Paris 2024. So will they repeat this or even better it when they take to the court in Berlin?
An up and down Qualifying Tournamentperformance suggests this is in the balance. Being drawn with Korea and Hungary in the first phase surely boosts their chances - even if France will be a major challenge. But with a very strong roster and bags of experience, they could make another global Quarter-Finals.
7. Germany (+1)
It's still good news for the host nation. The draw has preseneds an opportunity to make the Quarter-Finals. Even if Germany will of course dream even bigger, and will feel they have the talent to go even deeper in the competition and make that dream podium push.
However, the caveat is that there is no margin for error against Japan, Mali or Spain. They faced the latter in Hamburg when co-hosts of FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 and were beaten. But if all their stars do step out this time, then expect some fireworks and a big push to make history.
6. China (-1)
Are good things on the way for China again in this competition? Maybe, although matching their runners-up spot from Sydney 2022 looks like a significant challenge. They will face USA in the group phase which is the toughrst fixture there is, but they should at least ease out injury-hit Czechia.
The clash with Italy will have such high stakes. But China have the bodies in the paint to potentially dominate. As ever with China, it's not just about their frontcourt which looks destined to shine, it's about how much production there will be from the guard spots and wings.
5. Belgium (-2)
This is the kind of ranking that some people might file in the drawer marked ridiculous. It's true that if Belgium beat Australia in the Group phase, then you can swap those spots over with the Opals and that leaves the Cats with another slice of history and a first medal.
It's not writing off the chances of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket champions. It's a recognition that maintaining their brand of high-tempo and intense team basketball could be a big ask on a tricky looking pathway to the podium spot they are craving. That early game against Australia could be epic.
4. Spain (+3)
A positive, but knee-jerk reaction to the draw shifting Spain up three whole places? Maybe. But Spain wil be slight favorites against Germany and Japan, while big favorites against Mali and so on paper, it makes them the most likley to win the Group.
That would put them into a great position to strike towards the podium. Missing Sydney 2022 was so painful, especially after medals at the the three previous editions. But with the young guns like Awa Fam and Iyana Martin now ready to join the veteran stars in delivering, the signs look good.
3. Australia (-1)
The draw has handed the Opals this tricky early test with the Cats, while there is also considerable churn on the roster. Australia are only bringing back half of the team that stood on the third podium step at Paris 2024 - so there is change to deal with.
The good news is that their star ballers are mostly on board. The backcourt experience is vast with Steph Talbot and Sami Whitcomb, while frontcourt duo Alanna Smith and Ezi Magbegor can be formidable. But is there a lack of experience and quality on the wings?
2. France (+2)
It was a quirk of the draw that France will face Nigeria and Korea who they also played in the Qualifying Tournament. Adding Hungary into the mix, Les Bleus will be favorites by some distance to win the group with their overall quality, depth and big name ballers.
If that happens and they then move past the Quarter-Finals, they'll avoid a possible Semi-Finals clash with USA. So, are we on course for a repeat of the outstanding Paris 2024 gold medal game? Or maybe it's just far too early for this kind of nerdy tournament mapping?
1. USA (-)
With their big guns back on board and ready to fire, USA will take to the court in Berlin looking as impregnable as ever. The team to beat as always, anyone even getting close to them could feel like an accomplishment. Can any other nation truly launch a challenge?
Kara Lawson and her players will be out to extinguish this prospect, but it will require some hitting the ground running with a first day matchup against China a repeat of the 2022 title game. But let's get real. It all still feels more about how USA will win another title - not if they will win another title.
Disclaimer: The Power Rankings are entirely subjective and are in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
FIBA