2026 Opals Women's World Cup Qualifying squad announced

The Seven Consulting Opals have selected their 12-player team that will compete in the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament in Türkiye against the world’s best teams from March 11-17. 

Headlined by MVP frontrunner Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit) and WNBL legend Cayla George (Southside Melbourne Flyers), a further five current WNBL players will head to Istanbul.

The roster heading to Istanbul features eight WNBL26 superstars, headlined by MVP favourite Isobel Borlase and WNBL legend Cayla George. 

All 12 players have graced WNBL courts during their illustrious careers including WNBL25 MVP Sami Whitcomb and reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith leading the way.

Australia’s Opals will get the opportunity to compete against a slew of contenders for this year’s FIBA Women’s World Cup, including Argentina, Canada and Japan.

For a full schedule of games, click through for Australia’s team portal. 

After the Opals historic win of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in July last year, the Opals are locked in to appear for the FIBA World Cup in Berlin this September, regardless of the qualifying results. 

While fans wait for all the action in Türkiye, the WNBL Finals are around the corner – With every game live and free on 9Now.

Full Opals squad:

Zitina Aokuso
          UC Capitals, WNBL         

Chloe Bibby
          Uni Girona CB, Liga Femenina         

Isobel Borlase
        Bendigo Spirit, WNBL         

Alexandra Fowler
          Townsville Fire, WNBL         

Cayla George
          Southside Flyers, WNBL         

Ezi Magbegor
          Seattle Storm, WNBA         

Jade Melbourne
          UC Capitals, WNBL         

Steph Reid
          Sopron Basket, EuroCup Women         

Alanna Smith
          Minnesota Lynx, WNBA         

Steph Talbot
          Adelaide Lightning, WNBL         

Sami Whitcomb
          Beşiktaş, Turkish Super League         

Alex Wilson
          Perth Lynx, WNBL        

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