Mali and Nigeria, Africa’s two representatives at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, enter the tournament on Friday and Saturday respectively.
Mali open against Japan in Group A, which also includes hosts Germany and Spain. Mali approach the competition buoyed by a strong showing at the Wuhan qualifying tournament, where they beat South Sudan 97-74. Nagnouma Coulibaly, described as the greatest rebounder in Afrobasket history, returns to the squad alongside Sika Kone and Maimouna Haidara.
Nigeria, four-time defending African champions ranked eighth in the world, begin on Saturday against Hungary in Group B. South Korea and France are also in the pool. The D’Tigress can count on back-to-back Afrobasket MVP Amy Okonkwo and point guard Promise Amukamara.
The United States, chasing a fifth straight title and unbeaten at the World Cup since the 2006 semi-finals, headline Group D alongside Czechia, Italy and China. The Americans will be without Kelsey Plum and reigning Olympic MVP A’ja Wilson.
Sixteen teams compete across four groups from 4 to 13 September, with the top four in each pool advancing directly to the quarter-finals. The tournament offers the first qualifying spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Group C features Belgium, Australia, Puerto Rico and Türkiye.
