San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Spanish women’s national basketball team clinched a coveted spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup on Friday, ending an eight-year absence from the tournament. The team, coached by Miguel Méndez, dominated its opponents at the Pre-World Cup tournament in Puerto Rico, securing their qualification with two games still remaining.
Spain’s path to Berlin – the host city for the World Cup, scheduled for September 4-13 – was paved with decisive victories. They opened the tournament with a commanding 99-50 win over New Zealand, followed by an 84-51 triumph against Senegal, and most recently, a 91-52 victory over the host nation, Puerto Rico. This dominant performance ensured their place among the world’s elite, regardless of the outcomes of their remaining matches against Italy on Sunday and the United States on Tuesday.
The team’s success is a testament to the blend of experience and emerging talent assembled by coach Méndez, who also leads Turkish club Fenerbahçe. Spain has consistently stifled opponents, holding them to under 50 points in each of their first three games. Méndez has effectively integrated seasoned veterans like Maite Cazorla, María Conde, and Raquel Carrera – affectionately known as “the triple C” – with the dynamic young players Iyana Martín and Awa Fam, who are quickly making their mark on the international stage.
Adding to the team’s firepower is Megan Gustafson, a naturalized player who has proven to be a key contributor. Gustafson led the charge against Puerto Rico, scoring 21 points and grabbing six rebounds. The team boasts an average age of just 26, with only Mariona Ortiz exceeding 30 years old, signaling a bright future for Spanish women’s basketball. This qualification marks a significant step forward after missing the 2022 World Cup in Sydney, and builds momentum towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“None of us have played in a World Cup, and it was a special moment for all of us,” said captain María Conde after the win over Puerto Rico. “We came with little preparation, but with very clear ideas and a lot of desire. We knew what we had to do.” Raquel Carrera echoed this sentiment, adding, “It hurt not to be at the previous World Cup, and this is pure happiness. We achieved this since the last EuroBasket. There are people who couldn’t be here and have contributed.”
Spain’s return to the World Cup stage underscores their continued dominance in international basketball. Since the turn of the century, the Spanish women’s team has secured an impressive 15 medals in 16 major tournaments, including a silver medal at the 2014 World Cup and three European Championships (2013, 2017, and 2019). They have also earned a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games and were runners-up at the 2023 and 2025 European Championships, falling to Belgium on both occasions.
The victory over Puerto Rico was particularly notable for Spain’s sharp shooting from beyond the arc. The team connected on 14 of 32 three-point attempts, with eight different players contributing to the effort. Awa Fam’s strong interior presence and outside shooting, combined with contributions from Helena Pueyo, Gustafson, and Martín, proved too much for the hosts to handle. Spain’s defensive intensity also played a crucial role, limiting Puerto Rico’s scoring opportunities and controlling the boards with a 48-27 rebounding advantage.
Looking ahead, Spain will face a challenging test against Italy on Sunday and a formidable opponent in the United States on Tuesday. The United States game will also mark the international debut of Caitlin Clark, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest. While these games won’t alter Spain’s qualification status, they will provide valuable preparation for the World Cup in Berlin.
This qualification represents more than just a return to the World Cup; it signifies the continued growth and success of Spanish women’s basketball. With a talented roster, a skilled coach, and a determined spirit, Spain is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage this September.
The team will continue to prepare for the FIBA Women’s World Cup, with the focus now shifting towards refining their game and building momentum for the tournament in Berlin. Fans can follow the team’s progress and stay updated on official announcements through the Spanish Basketball Federation’s website and social media channels.
