Everything you need to know for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifiers

Seven WNBL players, including recently crowned WNBL26 Champion Alex Fowler, will represent Australia in the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Türkiye from March 11-17.

The Opals head into the tournament having already secured their place at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin after winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in July. As a result, Australia will compete in Türkiye for tournament seeding rather than qualification.

Head Coach Sandy Brondello will lead the side, supported by an experienced coaching group featuring WNBL26 Coach of the Year Kennedy Kereama, UC Capitals Head Coach Paul Goriss and Sydney Flames Head Coach Renae Garlepp. 

Australia will face host nation Türkiye, along with Hungary, Argentina, Canada and long-time rivals Japan, the team the Opals defeated in the Asia Cup final to claim gold. 

All games from the tournament will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN on Disney+. 

Details of the Opals squad and match schedule are listed below.

GAMES (AEDT):

Opals vs Argentina | Wed 11 March | 10:30pm AEDT | Match Hub 

Opals vs Japan | Thu 12 March | 10:30pm AEDT | Match Hub 

Opals vs Hungary | Sat 14 March | 10:30pm AEDT | Match Hub 

Opals vs Türkiye | Mon 16 March | 4:30am AEDT | Match Hub 

Opals vs Canada | Wed 18 March | 1:30am AEDT | Match Hub 

‍Roster:‍

Coach: Sandy Brondello 

Assistant Coach: Paul Gross
Accompanying coaches: Renae Garlepp and Kennedy Kerama

Adelaide Lightning: Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lighting)

Bendigo Spirit: Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit)

Perth Lynx: Alex Wilson (Perth Lynx)

Southside Melbourne Flyers: Cayla George (Southside Melbourne Flyers)

UC Capitals: Zitina Aokuso (UC Capitals)

UC Capitals: Jade Melbourne (UC Capitals)

Townsville Fire: Alex Fowler (Townsville Fire)

Overseas: Sami Whitcomb (Phoenix Mercury)

Overseas: Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm)

Overseas: Steph Reid (Sopron Basket)

Overseas: Alanna Smith (Minnesota Lynx)

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