Opals star to miss World Cup

The Australian Opals' chances at the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Germany look to have taken a hit, with one of the stars being ruled out through injury.

Originally reported by ESPN's Megan Hustwaite and confirmed by Basketball Australia, Opals captain Sami Whitcomb has withdrawn from the Berlin-based tournament due to an ongoing knee injury, sustained while with WNBA team, the Phoenix Mercury.

The 38-year-old originally hurt her left knee during practice in May, before undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose body, which delayed her 2026 WNBA debut to July 9.

“While Sami is understandably disappointed not to be able to represent the Opals at the World Cup, her long-term health has to come first,” Basketball Australia's EGM of High Performance Jason Smith said.

“Our thoughts are with Sami. We know how much representing the Opals means to her, and we recognise the enormous emotional and physical toll this situation has taken.  

“Sami gives so much to this team, and while we are deeply disappointed that she will not be with us at the World Cup, our priority is her wellbeing, health, and long-term future.

"We will continue to support her in every way we can.”

Australian coach Sandy Brondello now has to quickly replace Whitcomb in her 12-person squad, as the tournament tips off on September 4 and runs through to September 13.

Whitcomb, who has committed to the Perth Lynx for the WNBL27 season, has made 14 appearances for the Mercury this season, averaging 4.9 points, 2.1 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game.

The news leaves Brondello with Alanna Smith, Ezi Magbegor, Jade Melbourne, Isobel Borlase and Steph Talbot, Ally Wilson, Isabelle Bourne, Zitina Aokuso, Alex Fowler, Steph Reid and Chloe Bibby in the squad.

Australia, who are in Group C of the September 4-13 tournament in Berlin, first play Puerto Rico on September 4, before games against Türkiye and Belgium.

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup squad:

- Zitina Aokuso (Adelaide Lightning)
- Chloe Bibby (Chicago Sky/WNBA)
- Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit and Atlanta Dream/WNBA)
- Isobelle Bourne (Sydney Flames)
- Alex Fowler (Townsville Fire)
- Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm/WNBA)
- Jade Melbourne (Bendigo Spirit and Seattle Storm/WNBA)
- Steph Reid (Tasmania Jewels)
- Alanna Smith (Dallas Wings/WNBA)
- Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning and Las Vegas Aces/WNBA)
- Ally Wilson (Sydney Flames)

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup schedule:

- Australia v Puerto Rico - Friday, September 4 - 7.30pm AEST
- Australia v Türkiye - Sunday, September 6 - 7.30pm AEST
- Australia v Belgium - Monday, September 7 - 7.30pm AEST

Read the full story here >> Sami Whitcomb ruled out of FIBA Women’s World Cup