Berlin 2026: Nigeria, USA Lead As Final 16-Team Lineup for FIBA World Cup Confirmed

Berlin 2026: Nigeria, USA Lead As Final 16-Team Lineup for FIBA World Cup Confirmed 

By Niyi Busari 

The lineup for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup has been officially confirmed, with 16 nations set to compete at the global showpiece scheduled for September in Berlin, Germany, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The final list of participating teams was completed following the conclusion of the qualifying tournaments held across Istanbul (Türkiye), Lyon-Villeurbanne (France), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Wuhan (China).

Five nations had already secured automatic qualification prior to the qualifiers. These include host nation Germany, alongside continental champions Australia, Belgium, Nigeria, and United States.

The remaining 11 spots were decided through the qualifying tournaments, with France becoming the first team to book their place on the court. They were joined by Spain, China, South Korea, Italy, Mali, Czechia, Türkiye, Japan, Hungary, and Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico claimed the final available slot in dramatic fashion, securing qualification with a decisive victory in the closing game of the San Juan tournament.

Italy’s qualification marks a significant milestone, as they return to the Women’s World Cup for the first time in 32 years. Hungary also celebrated a long-awaited comeback, ending a 28-year absence from the competition.

Full List of Qualified Teams

Australia

Belgium

China

Czechia

France

Germany

Hungary

Italy

Japan

South Korea

Mali

Nigeria

Puerto Rico

Spain

Türkiye

United States

In individual honors, Sami Whitcomb of Australia was named TISSOT Most Valuable Player at the Istanbul qualifying tournament. She was joined in the All-Star Five by Mai Yamamoto (Japan), Kennedy Burke (Türkiye), Dorka Juhász (Hungary), and Aaliyah Edwards (Canada).