MUNICH (Germany) - The curtain is about to be raised on the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and so it's the perfect time for another eagerly anticipated edition of the Smart Power Rankings.
Since the last edition there's been plenty to consider with preparation games almost in the books and many rosters already finalized.
Taking into account the draw, tournament bracket, preparation and various lineups expected to step out in the German capital, here's how it's looking.
16. Puerto Rico (-)
Without wanting to cut and paste from Volume 3, it's kind of unavoidable. That draw has been cruel to the Islanders and with the lack of firepower shown in the Qualifying Tournament, it would be sensational to advance.
Getting out of a group with Australia, Belgium and Türkiye is not for the faint-hearted. It will take a monumental effort to cause an upset. But if you want positivity and something completely at odds with this 16th place ranking, then maybe it's the roster possibly being one of, if not the strongest ever fielded.
Now all eyes on the Türkiye clash.
15. Mali (-1)
Let's be clear. Mali has got game. And, had the outside chance of EuroLeague Women high-flyer Mariam Coulibaly joining the group come to fruition, the African nation might have been soaring up the rankings. But it wasn't to be.
Still, a fierce one-two punch of Sika Kone and Maimouna Haidara bodes well - as does the results and displays from the Qualifying Tournament back in March. The real sticking point is the depth, or lack of it compared to their peers. Plus, Germany, Spain and Japan are three super tough looking games on paper.
Can they spring a surprise?
14. Czechia (+1)
This probably doesn't make complete logical sense but bear with us. Czechia have put in some really nice displays in the preparation games and there have been a lot of strong reasons to be positive heading into the competition.
This teamwork shown has been the basis for a modest upwards move. However, there's no doubt that for almost any nation losing their two best players to injury, it's an uphill struggle. Especially when it's your main frontcourt duo.
But with less pressure and a void to fill, there's scope for some players to now make a name for themselves.
13. Korea (-2)
The expectations on veteran sharp-shooter Leeseul Kang and star guard Jihyun Park will be significant. They will both be expected to turn up the dial, since the pair will inevitably form the cornerstone of Korea's challenge.
But as much as everyone is looking forward to seeing this combo in the backcourt and on the wings, the Asian nation have been rocked by the loss of the highly influential Jisu Park. The center is a towering presence who will be missed and it poses a real headache - especially on defensive matchups.
Can they solve this issue - or not?
12. Türkiye (-)
With a lot of experience on the roster, Türkiye managing to make the Quarter-Finals can't be discounted. But they might feel the pressure on their pivotal meeting with Puerto Rico, which looks to be a must-win matchup already.
A big chunk of their hopes still hinges on Kennedy Burke hitting top gear and avoiding extra defensive attention - something not easy at the top level.
But maybe in reality, their chances revolve around whether in addition to the leadership of Sevgi Uzun and Olcay Cakir, someone can find the hot-hand and help out Burke in the scoring stakes.
11. Hungary (+2)
There are three main reasons that Hungary have edged up the ranking. While still not enough to force a potential Quarter-Finals place that they crave, there's still a lot to be enthused about ahead of their return after 28 years.
Firstly, marquee baller Dorka Juhasz is back firing again and the other two elements are that Korea have lost the player who would have been guarding her in the crunch group contest.
Throw in the fact that Nigeria have not impressed during preparation and could the Europeans have cause to justify a second place finish in the group?
10. Nigeria (-2)
Sorry D'Tigress, we have clearly read far too much into the preparation games, which have mainly resulted in some big losses. It's posed a question mark about a Quarter-Finals spot and some of the prior confidence evaporating.
The glass being half-full scenario is that the games against Hungary and Korea still look very winnable. With a full quota of ballers finally playing together on the court, brighter days could lie in wait. But then again, it's not easy having to turn form on like a tap and convert those prep losses into wins.
D'Tigress look so unpredictable right now.
9. Italy (-)
It's largely positive for Italy and it would be a surprise if they didn't advance from the group. Even if it is in third place behind the USA and China. But they might set their sights higher and the game with China could be epic.
Their final roster oozes with continuity. There are 10 returnees from their FIBA Women's EuroBasket success last year when they won bronze.
While the camera lens will focus heavily on key duo Cecilia Zandalasini and Lorela Cubaj, it will be the team defense and ability to matchup well under the basket that could prove most important.
8. Japan (+2)
Is the momentum with Japan? They have had some close wins (and losses) in preparation, with the real upside being that they have been playing some ultra competitive games heading to Berlin and could be nicely tuned in.
Signing off their participation in the Qualifying Tournament with back to back wins and announcing a very strong looking World Cup roster, the excitement is palpable.
You have to love the mix of vets like Maki Takada, Ramu Tokashiki and Rui Machida, alongside young gun Kokoro Tanaka and their likely team leader, Mai Yamamoto.
7. Germany (-)
There will be a swell of anticipation and excitement for the home nation and they look like having enough to make the Quarter-Finals. Their hopes will be heavily pinned on the playmaking skills and know-how of Alexis Peterson.
In a wide open group, losing Satou Sabally is a real blow - as was an injury concern over sister Nyara. But Germany have fabulous options in the frontcourt with Luisa Geiselsoder, Marie Guelich, Frieda Buhner - and Sabally.
With Leonie Fiebich also a game-winner in waiting, it's a case of seat-belts on and getting ready for a potentially thrilling ride!
6. China (-)
It's no move for China - even if some alarm bells might be sounding after indifferent preparation results. But surely once the full band is back together again, they'll roll out the formula that should see them make the Quarter-Finals.
Unlike most teams, there are arguably fewer nuances or hidden secrets to China's game. They have extraordinary size that they love to utilize and so we await the 'Triple Towers' reunion and see what the guards can do. Anyone dreaming of a Sydney 2022 repeat might be left disappointed.
But they have a lot of upsides and some top ballers.
5. Australia (-2)
Yes, we know. It's harsh to move Australia down two whole places heading into the tournament. But, losing Sami Whitcomb's experience and production leaves a major hole. After all, she was MVP in the Qualifying Tournament.
The Opals have only half of their Paris 2024 bronze medal team, so will maybe just be squeezed off the podium steps. It's going to be finely balances as to whether they have enough to ultimately laugh in the face of this fifth place prediction.
Leaders Alanna Smith, Ezi Magbegor and Steph Talbot can certainly keep them in firm contention.
4. Belgium (+1)
This might feel a little bitter-sweet Belgium fans - and, we hear you. Sweet because it's a move upwards in the rankings, based on what looked a coin-toss Group C battle with the Opals maybe now turning in the Cats' favour.
But a fourth place finish would hard to bear for a team chasing more history and who lost the Third Place Game at the 2018 World Cup and then at Paris 2024 too. To have to stomach getting so close, but falling short again would be tough.
The good news is that Belgium have the talent to defy this ranking and to take a huge historical step.
3. Spain (+1)
Things are looking slick for Spain in preparation and with good performances and results, a strong final roster simply superglues this theory together that after the mystery of missing Sydney 2022, normal service will resume.
The last step of the podium is surely within reach and they could take a fourth medal in five editions. The defensive intensity will need to be top drawer and they will have to shoot well, but it could be done.
Especially with Megan Gustafson, Maria Conde, Awa Fam, Raquel Carrera and Iyana Martin hungry for success on their World Cup debuts.
2. France (-)
France are ready to cook and their final roster looks on paper at least, to be one of the most talented in their history. It has Paris 2024 flavor and all the ingredients to close the gap and end some lengthy World Cup misery.
With USA losing priceless veteran know how in Kelsey Plum and the amazing production of reigning MVP A'ja Wilson, France can see a big chance ahead. Not only to end a 76 year podium wait, but to also make history with a first title.
Opportunity knocks for Gabby Williams, Marine Johannes, Dominique Malonga, Valeriane Ayayi and Co.
1. USA (-)
While it was tempting to move USA down a spot to an unthinkable second place in the wake of their latest roster news, there's no knee-jerk reaction here. They are still blessed with some incredible talent and look so exciting.
There may be nine World Cup debutantes, but this is no second string USA team. Packed with elite ballers all ready to show out, the new generation of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese can surely get it done.
But one of the main reasons to keep them locked in top spot is of course, the presence of the one and only Breanna Stewart.
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.
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