ISTANBUL – The Turkish Women’s National Basketball Team kicked off their FIBA 2026 Women’s World Cup Qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 71-69 victory over Canada on Tuesday. The win, secured in front of a home crowd, sets a positive tone as they prepare for their next challenge against Argentina.
The Turkish team demonstrated early intent, racing to a 7-0 lead within the first minute and twelve seconds of the game. Key contributions from Burke, Gökşen Fitik, and Alperi Onar helped extend that advantage to double digits by the sixth minute, leading 16-5. Turkey capitalized on strong play in the paint during the first period, finishing the quarter with a commanding 21-8 lead.
The second quarter saw a more balanced contest, but Turkey maintained control. Olcay Çakır emerged as a key offensive force, and the national team entered halftime with a 39-24 cushion.
Canada mounted a significant comeback in the third quarter, beginning around the 25th minute. Led by Carleton and Edwards, Canada began to chip away at the deficit, reducing the lead to six points with 44 seconds remaining in the period (45-51). Despite Canada’s surge, Turkey managed to hold onto a 53-47 lead heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter proved to be a nail-biter. Canada continued their momentum, with Carleton consistently finding the basket. Pellington’s basket in the 37th minute gave Canada their first lead of the game, 64-63. The final minutes were characterized by intense back-and-forth action. With Canada struggling to convert on several offensive opportunities, a crucial basket from Olcay Çakır Turgut proved to be the difference, securing a 71-69 win for Turkey.
This victory is particularly significant as Turkey looks to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which will be held in Berlin, Germany from September 4-13, 2026. The qualifying process involves a series of group stage matches, with the top teams advancing to the tournament.
Turkey will now turn their attention to their second match in Group C, facing Argentina on Thursday. Canada, meanwhile, will compete against Hungary. The Turkish team will be looking to build on this momentum and secure another important win in their quest for World Cup qualification. The Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi will host the Turkey vs. Argentina matchup, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 PM local time.
The FIBA 2026 Women’s World Cup Qualifying tournament is structured with four groups. The winner of each group, along with the best three teams, will earn a spot in the World Cup. The tournament champion and host nation, Germany, will automatically qualify. This format ensures a competitive field and a challenging path to qualification for all participating teams.
Following the match against Argentina, Turkey’s schedule includes games against Hungary, Australia, and Japan. These upcoming contests will be crucial in determining their final standing in the group and their chances of advancing to the World Cup. The team will need to maintain their strong performance and adapt to different playing styles to succeed in these challenging matches.
The Turkish national team’s win against Canada demonstrates their potential and determination as they navigate the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying tournament. With a combination of strong individual performances and effective teamwork, they are well-positioned to make a strong push for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
What’s Next: Turkey will face Argentina on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 8:30 PM local time at the Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi in Istanbul.
What are your thoughts on Turkey’s chances in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers? Share your predictions in the comments below!
