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Top 20 FIBA Women’s World Cup players to watch
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- Top 20 FIBA Women’s World Cup players to watch
The 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup is bringing the world's best hoopers to Berlin, featuring a mix of proven champions, hungry rising stars, and seasoned veterans.
Team USA naturally stays in the news, loaded with WNBA stars. Superstars A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are hunting for yet another World Cup gold, while Caitlin Clark is gearing up for her first senior tournament appearance.
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MORE: Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers lead USA FIBA World Cup roster: Full list of players
They'll face plenty of tough competition, though. Belgium leans heavily on stars Emma Meesseman and Julie Allemand , while powerhouse squads like Australia, France, Germany, China and Japan all have game-wreckers of their own. African contenders like Nigeria and Mali are also bringing top-tier talent ready to make noise.
From elite bucket-getters and lockdown defenders to clutch playmakers on the glass, the tournament will be packed with players who know how to take over under the brightest lights.
With the tournament running Sept. 4-13, here are the top 20 FIBA Women's World Cup players to watch.
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20. Kennedy Burke , Turkiye
New York Liberty forward Kennedy Burke (22) during the second half against the Seattle Storm at Barclays Center. Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Position:Guard
Height:6-foot,1-inch/1.85 meters
Kennedy Burke gives Turkiye a strong scoring option in the backcourt. Naturalizing the guard looks like a major move for a team returning to a FIBA global tournament for the first time in eight years.
Her scoring ability is only part of the package. Burke also brings physicality and the ability to make important plays late in games.
She showed that quality at the qualifying tournament in Istanbul. Turkiye will need another big effort from Burke to move out of its group.
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19. Sami Whitcomb , Australia
Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb against the Atlanta Dream at PHX Arena. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Position:Guard
Height:5-10/1.78m
Sami Whitcomb, 38, will be one of the oldest players at the 2026 World Cup. Her recent performances show that she can still make a major impact for Australia.
Whitcomb was the driving force behind Australia's unbeaten run at the qualifying tournament. She also took home the MVP award after leading the Opals through a tough group.
Her scoring, creativity and experience give Australia another major weapon. If she can repeat that form in Berlin, the Opals can make another serious podium push.
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18. Dorka Juhasz, Hungary
Minnesota Lynx forward Dorka Juhasz (14) sets to shoot against the Toronto Tempo at Scotiabank Arena. Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Position:Center
Height:6-4/1.92m
Dorka Juhasz was one of the main reasons Hungary booked its first World Cup berth of this century. Her performances at the qualifying tournament in Istanbul were especially impressive.
The center produced some eye-catching numbers and gave Hungary a major presence in the paint. Her size can create problems for smaller lineups.
Juhasz can also shoot from outside. She adds strong defensive work to that skill set. Hungary will hope she is fully fit after suffering an injury.
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17. Cecilia Zandalasini , Italy
Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini (24) brings the ball up the floor against the Toronto Tempo in the first half at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Position:Guard
Height:6-1/1.86m
Cecilia Zandalasini has been a key part of Italy's recent progress. The team ended a wait of more than 30 years for a FIBA Women's EuroBasket medal before securing a World Cup ticket for the first time since the 1990s.
Her game has developed with age. The 30-year-old Zandalasini is no longer only a scorer. She has become a better creator and leader.
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She also impressed at the qualifying tournament. Italy will need that combination of scoring and leadership again in Berlin.
16. Alexis Peterson, Germany
Alexis Peterson (1) shoots a free throw against the Siena Saints during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Siena 102-65. Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Position:Guard
Height:5-5/1.65m
Alexis Peterson quickly became an important player for Germany. Her debut at Paris 2024 showed how much she could bring to the national team.
The playmaker helps Germany control the game from the backcourt. Her role becomes even more important because Germany has less depth at guard than in the frontcourt.
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Peterson will have plenty of responsibility in Berlin. Germany will need her to stay healthy, productive and composed throughout the tournament.
15. Leeseul Kang, Korea
Team South Korea forward Leeseul Kang (3) reaches to prevent the ball from going out of bounds during a preliminary round game against Canada of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
Position:Guard
Height:5-11/1.80m
Leeseul Kang is known as "Kang The Conqueror." Her shooting ability explains why she has earned that nickname.
Kang put on a record-breaking show at the qualifying tournament. Once she gets into a rhythm, her 3-point shooting can completely change a game.
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There is more to her game than long-range shooting. She can score in other ways and brings plenty of international experience. Korea will need her at full speed if it wants to live up to the confidence around the team.
MORE: Caitlin Clark passes WNBA legend in all-time list
14. Mai Yamamoto, Japan
Japan guard Mai Yamamoto (23) against the Phoenix Mercury during a WNBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Position:Guard
Height:5-4/1.63m
Mai Yamamoto is an important link between Japan's experienced players and its younger talent. She has become one of the main players to watch for the Asian side.
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Her scoring was a major part of Japan's showing at the qualifying tournament. Yamamoto can hit momentum-changing 3-pointers when her team needs them most.
Opponents will know they need to stay close to her. Yamamoto has the skill and awareness to deal with extra defensive attention.
13. Ezinne Kalu, Nigeria
Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu (23) reacts to a call Saturday, during the first half of a preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Position:Guard
Height:5-8/1.73m
Ezinne Kalu remains one of Nigeria's most valuable players . The veteran guard brings leadership, playmaking and plenty of international experience.
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Her performance at Paris 2024 showed how important she is to everything Nigeria does. Kalu can create for teammates, score herself, and set the tone on defense.
At 34, she has seen almost every type of big-game situation. That experience could be crucial for Nigeria in a demanding group.
12. Megan Gustafson , Spain
Iowa center Megan Gustafson laughs while members of the pep band yelled out after a NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Position:Forward/Center
Height:6-3/1.90m
Spain missed the 2022 World Cup in Sydney. The team is back and has ambitions of making a run at the podium.
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Megan Gustafson will have a major role in that challenge. She showed what she can do at the qualifying tournament after nearly producing a double-double at Paris 2024.
Her finishing around the rim is a major strength. She can also move outside and make shots, which creates more space for her teammates.
Gustafson could be Spain's leading scorer and rebounder in Berlin.
11. Julie Allemand, Belgium
LA Sparks guard Julie Allemand (20) dribbles against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Position:Guard
Height:5-9/1.74m
Julie Allemand is the player who makes Belgium's offense work. Her court vision and passing are among her biggest strengths.
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She was outstanding at the qualifying tournament. Her World Cup record also shows her value. Allemand has the highest career average for assists per game in World Cup history at 7.4.
This will be the 30-year-old's third World Cup. Her passing, leadership and defensive work could help Belgium make another run at history.
A first World Cup medal would be a huge achievement for the Cats.
10. Sika Kone , Mali
Washington Mystics forward Sika Kone (3) waits for play to resume against Golden State Valkyries in the first quarter at Chase Center. Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Position:Forward
Height:6-3/1.90m
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Sika Kone was Mali's top player at the 2022 World Cup. She was just 20 years old but had already shown she could compete against top international players.
Her double-double in Sydney was a strong sign of her talent. Kone uses her strength and skill to cause problems in the paint.
Four years later, she has more experience. Mali will look to her for scoring, rebounding, and physical play inside.
If Kone has a big tournament, Mali could cause a few surprises in Berlin.
9. Leonie Fiebich , Germany
New York Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich (13) reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center. Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
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Position:Small Forward
Height:6-4/1.92m
Leonie Fiebich will be one of the biggest names for the host nation. Her ability to shoot from long range could have a major impact on Germany's tournament.
When Fiebich is making shots, Germany becomes much harder to defend. She also works hard on the boards and can contribute in several areas.
Satou Sabally is ruled out because of injury. That puts even more responsibility on Fiebich.
She has consistently delivered in German jersey. Playing at home should give her another reason to perform at her best.
8. Marine Johannes, France
New York Liberty guard Marine Johannes (23) at Barclays Center. Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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Position:Guard
Height:5-10/1.77m
Marine Johannes is one of the most entertaining players in women's basketball. Her ability to create difficult shots and spectacular plays makes her a must-watch player.
She also has unfinished business at the World Cup. Johannes was set to play for France in Sydney in 2022 but suffered an injury just before the tournament.
Now she has another chance. Her scoring and playmaking can give France a major boost.
France will hope Johannes can help the team reach its best World Cup finish since the inaugural edition.
7. Ezi Magbegor , Australia
Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor (13) against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Position:Center
Height:6ft 4in / 1.93m
Ezi Magbegor is central to Australia's hopes of another global medal. The Opals are chasing a third straight podium finish.
Magbegor finished Paris 2024 with a huge performance in the third-place game. That display showed just how much influence she can have on a high-level tournament.
Her mobility and athleticism make her difficult to defend. Her length also creates problems around the basket.
Australia's hopes will rise sharply if Magbegor can reach her best level in Berlin.
MORE: Caitlin Clark wins WNBA honor for 4th time this season
6. Xu Han, China
New York Liberty center Han Xu (21) warms up before game one of the first round of the WNBA playoffs against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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Position:Center
Height:6-9/2.05m
Xu Han is already becoming an iconic Chinese player. Her popularity extends far beyond her home country.
At 26, she is preparing for her third World Cup. Her 6-9 frame naturally makes her a major matchup problem.
Her soft touch and shooting ability make her even more dangerous. Han can score efficiently while forcing defenders to deal with her size.
She also impressed at the qualifying tournament in Wuhan. China will expect another big performance from its star center.
5. Gabby Williams , France
Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams arrives during The Collective's WNBA All-Star VIP party. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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Position:Forward
Height:5-11/1.88m
Gabby Williams can play a game on both ends of the court. Her defense is one of the strongest parts of her game.
She also became an important leader for France after her showing at Paris 2024. Williams can score, defend and make key plays when games get tight.
France has not reached the global podium since 1953. Williams could play a major role if the team finally ends that long wait.
Her ability to set the tone makes her one of the players to watch in Berlin.
4. Caitlin Clark, USA
WNBA: Indiana Fever at Dallas Wings
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images.
Position:Guard
Height:6-0/1.83m
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Caitlin Clark is one of the biggest names in women's basketball. Her first senior Women's World Cup will bring even more attention to the tournament.
She already made an impact in her USA senior debut. Clark won the TISSOT MVP award at the qualifying tournament in San Juan.
Her shooting and passing can change games quickly. She can also create shots for herself and her teammates.
The USA has a new generation coming through. Clark will be one of the biggest attractions as that group takes center stage in Berlin.
3. Breanna Stewart, USA
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) goes up for a basket Saturday during a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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Position:Forward
Height:6-3/1.91m
Breanna Stewart could make history in Berlin. Only Sue Bird has won four Women's World Cup titles.
Another title would put Stewart level with Bird. She could also become the first player to win multiple Women's World Cup TISSOT MVP awards.
Stewart can take control when the USA needs a star to step up. She can also play within the team when other players are having big games.
Her experience is another major advantage. The USA will rely on her at both ends of the court.
2. Emma Meesseman, Belgium
New York Liberty center Emma Meesseman looks on during the second half against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Position:Forward
Height:6-4/1.93m
Emma Meesseman has played a huge role in Belgium's rise over the past decade. She remains the leader of a team that has become one of Europe's top sides.
Meesseman has won back-to-back Women's EuroBasket MVP awards. She also helped Belgium win two European titles.
Her influence goes beyond those achievements. She helped Belgium reach its first World Cup in 2018 and its first Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Now the target is a first global medal. Meesseman will be at the heart of Belgium's attempt to make that happen.
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1. A'ja Wilson, USA
WNBA: Las Vegas Aces at Atlanta Dream
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images.
Position:Forward
Height:6-4/1.93m
A'ja Wilson enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the biggest stars in the sport. She has already won the TISSOT World Cup MVP award and followed it with another MVP honor at Paris 2024.
Now Wilson is chasing a third straight MVP award at a major global tournament. She is also looking to help the USA win its third consecutive Women's World Cup title.
Her strength and skill make her extremely difficult to stop. Wilson can score, rebound and control the game from the frontcourt.
The USA will once again build much of its campaign around her. If Wilson plays at her usual level, she could add another major chapter to an already impressive international career.
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