ISTANBUL – The Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) has announced the roster for the A Milli Kadın Basketbol Takımı (Turkey Women’s National Basketball Team) as they prepare to compete in the FIBA 2026 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. The team will convene in Istanbul tomorrow to commence training ahead of the tournament, which takes place from March 11-17 at the Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi.
Turkey is grouped in Group C alongside challenging opponents including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hungary, and Japan. This qualifying tournament represents a crucial step for the Turkish team as they aim to secure a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. The competition will be fierce, and the team faces a demanding schedule over the course of the week.
Roster Announced for World Cup Qualifying Campaign
The roster, released by the TBF, features a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent. Here is the complete list of players selected to represent Turkey:
- Pelin Derya Bilgiç (Beşiktaş BOA)
- Meltem Yıldızhan (Beşiktaş BOA)
- İlayda Güner (Beşiktaş BOA)
- Esra Ural Topuz
- Manolya Kurtulmuş
- Sinem Ataş
- Beren Burke (ÇİMSA ÇBK Mersin)
- Melek Uzunoğlu
- Berfin Sertoğlu (Emlak Konut)
- Olcay Çakır Turgut
- Sevgi Uzun
- Alperi Onar
- Meltem Avcı Yılmaz (Fenerbahçe Opet)
- Ayşe Cora Yamaner
- Derin Erdoğan
- Elif Bayram
- Gökşen Fitik
- Zeynep Şevval Gül
- Sehernaz Çidal (Galatasaray Çağdaş Faktoring)
The selection process highlights the depth of talent within Turkish women’s basketball, with players representing several of the country’s top clubs, including Beşiktaş, ÇİMSA ÇBK Mersin, Emlak Konut, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray. For fans unfamiliar with the Turkish league, these clubs represent the pinnacle of domestic competition, providing a strong foundation for the national team.
Tournament Schedule: A Look at Turkey’s Path
The A Milli Kadın Basketbol Takımı will face a challenging schedule in the group stage. Here’s a breakdown of their matches:
- March 11 (Wednesday): Canada vs. Turkey – 8:30 PM (local time)
- March 12 (Thursday): Turkey vs. Argentina – 8:30 PM (local time)
- March 14 (Saturday): Japan vs. Turkey – 8:30 PM (local time)
- March 15 (Sunday): Turkey vs. Australia – 8:30 PM (local time)
- March 17 (Tuesday): Turkey vs. Hungary – 8:30 PM (local time)
All game times are local to Istanbul, Turkey. Fans can follow the team’s progress throughout the tournament as they strive to qualify for the FIBA Women’s World Cup. The Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi will be the focal point for Turkish basketball fans during this crucial period.
The team’s opening match against Canada will be a significant test, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament. Argentina, Japan, Australia, and Hungary all present unique challenges, requiring the Turkish team to demonstrate versatility and resilience. The final match against Hungary could prove decisive in determining their fate in the qualifying tournament.
This qualifying tournament is a significant moment for Turkish basketball, offering a platform to showcase the nation’s growing talent on the international stage. The team’s performance will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of basketball players across the country.
The next confirmed checkpoint for fans will be the start of the tournament on March 11th. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the FIBA 2026 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers and the A Milli Kadın Basketbol Takımı’s journey.
What are your predictions for Turkey’s performance in the qualifiers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
