Australia will be heading to Berlin looking to add to their outstanding reputation and legacy as one of the leading nations in global women's hoops.
That means continuing their impressive streak of podium finishes which has seen them deliver an eye-catching eight medals in their last 10 FIBA events.
With incredible depth, quality and competition for roster spots, they will be one of the frontrunners for the podium once again when they step out in the Germany capital.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED?
Australia punched a direct ticket to the event thanks to being crowned FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 champions. They won the silverware with an 88-79 success against Japan.
However, they still participated in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
| FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament (Istanbul, Türkiye) | ||
| Gameday 1 | Argentina 65-91 Australia (W) | Game Report |
| Gameday 2 | Australia 81-71 Japan (W) | Game Report |
| Gameday 3 | Australia 71-58 Hungary (W) | Game Report |
| Gameday 4 | Türkiye 74-77 Australia (W) | Game Report |
| Gameday 5 | Australia 82-76 Canada (W) | Game Report |
WOMEN'S WORLD CUP PEDIGREE
- Number of participations (including 2026): 17
- Last participation: 2022 (3rd)
- Best finish: 1st (2006)
- Podium finishes:🥇(2006),🥈(2018),🥉(1998, 2002, 2014, 2022)
- Current FIBA World Ranking for Women, presented by Nike: 3rd
Last 10 FIBA events
|
Year |
Event |
Location |
Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2025 |
FIBA Women's Asia Cup |
Shenzhen, China |
1st |
|
2024 |
Olympic Games |
Paris, France |
3rd |
|
2023 |
FIBA Women's Asia Cup |
Sydney, Australia |
3rd |
|
2022 |
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup |
Sydney, Australia |
3rd |
|
2021 |
FIBA Women's Asia Cup |
Amman, Jordan |
3rd |
|
2020 |
Olympic Games |
Tokyo, Japan |
8th |
|
2019 |
FIBA Women's Asia Cup |
Bengaluru, India |
3rd |
|
2018 |
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup |
Tenerife, Spain |
3rd |
|
2017 |
FIBA Women's Asia Cup |
Bengaluru, India |
2nd |
|
2016 |
Olympic Games |
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
5th |
THE GROUP PHASE
The Opals have been pitched into a tricky looking Group C that contains European champions Belgium and a Türkiye side that can beat anyone on their day.
Meanwhile Puerto Rico will be significant underdogs and Australia will be expected to dominate that particular contest.
Group Phase Games
- Australia vs Puerto Rico (Sep 4)
- Türkiye vs Australia (Sep 6)
- Belgium vs Australia (Sep 7)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The frontcourt in particular looks stacked and especially the size, height, strength and skills of Ezi Magbegor and Alanna Smith. Both ballers have impressed in the most recent global tournaments, showing they can take the Opals deep and towards glory.
Magbegor led the team in both scoring and efficiency at the Qualifying Tournament back in March. That came off the back of that monster 45 performance efficiency valuation in the bronze medal game at Paris 2024. Meanwhile Smith was superb in the Olympics and also stood out once again in Istanbul.
In the backcourt, Sami Whitcomb was TISSOT MVP at the Qualifying Tournament and her experience, quality and veteran know-how is likely to be on show again in Berlin.
