The Opals are primed and ready ahead of Friday’s opening game at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. Australia will face Puerto Rico, Türkiye and Belgium in the group stage. Here is what to expect from the Opals’ opponents.
Puerto Rico:
The Opals will open their campaign against Puerto Rico on 4 September at 7:30 pm. Puerto Rico will be led by star centre Imani McGee-Stafford, who played five seasons in the WNBA after being selected with pick 10 in the 2016 draft. She began her career with the Chicago Sky and was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team before being traded to the Atlanta Dream and later joining the Dallas Wings in 2019. She has since played in Australia with the Perth Lynx. Across qualifying, McGee-Stafford averaged 9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Puerto Rico’s roster also includes Arella Guirantes, who has previously played three WNBA seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, Seattle Storm and Chicago Sky. Across qualifying, she averaged nine points and three assists per game.
Türkiye:
Türkiye are ranked 16th in the world and will be the Opals’ second opponent in the group stage. They are led by Kennedy Burke, who has six years of WNBA experience and currently plays for the Connecticut Sun. This WNBA season, Burke is averaging 8.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. A 2024 WNBA champion and 2026 EuroCup champion, Burke’s versatility and transition play will pose a significant threat for the Opals. Across qualifying for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, she averaged 16.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Türkiye are also bolstered by Sevgi Uzun, who averaged 15.2 points and 2.4 assists across qualifying. The 28-year-old is one of Türkiye’s most successful home-grown players, with WNBA experience and two EuroLeague titles with Fenerbahçe. Her teammate Olcay Çakır will also be in action. At 33, she is a veteran of Turkish basketball and was the first woman from Türkiye to be drafted into the WNBA. With a 10-time Turkish Super League champion and two-time EuroLeague champion on the roster, Türkiye have the depth and experience to challenge the Opals when they meet on 6 September at 7:30 pm.
Belgium:
Belgium are the highest-ranked opponent Australia will face in the group stage, currently sitting fifth in the world. Emma Meesseman is a star with nine years of WNBA experience and currently plays for the New York Liberty. In 2026, she is averaging 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. The veteran has a high basketball IQ and is known as a master of the fundamentals. Having been named to the Olympic Tournament All-Star Five at the past two Games, she is undoubtedly one of the toughest opponents the Opals will face on their path to the final stages. In Women’s World Cup qualifying, she averaged 12.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game.
Kyara Linskens, 29, also brings a wealth of experience, having represented Belgium at the past two Olympic Games. She stepped up to the WNBA in 2026 with the Phoenix Mercury after first appearing in the league in 2025 with the Golden State Valkyries. A FIBA EuroBasket champion and Finals MVP, she consistently rises to the occasion in international play. Julie Allemand is another major contributor. Representing the Toronto Tempo in the WNBA, she is averaging 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists in the 2026 season. Allemand has previously played for the Indiana Fever and Los Angeles Sparks. Across FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying, she averaged five points and 5.6 assists per game.
The Opals will no doubt face tight competition and tough opponents as they prepare to challenge for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
You can catch the Opals in action on Friday at 7:30 pm, with all matches broadcast live in Australia on ESPN, Disney+ and Kayo Sports.
Head to the Opals Event Hub for more.
