Basketball-WM in Berlin: Favorable Draw for German Women’s Team
The German women’s basketball team has received a favorable draw for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which will be hosted in Berlin from September 4 to September 13, 2026. According to the official draw conducted on April 21, 2026, at the Kraftwerk in Berlin, Germany will face Spain, Japan, and Mali in the group stage of the tournament.
Team captain Marie Gülich expressed optimism about the matchup, stating, “I think One can live well with this draw. I’m really looking forward to playing the Japanese, as we faced them at the Olympics. We play against Spain almost every year, and Mali is new but also a challenge.” Her comments were made during the draw event, reflecting the team’s positive outlook on the group stage.
Head coach Olaf Lange emphasized that reaching the quarterfinals is the minimum goal for the team, noting that this target appears achievable given the group composition. The German squad, which includes five WNBA players—Satou and Nyara Sabally, Leonie Fiebich, Luisa Geiselsöder, and Frieda Bühner—is considered the strongest German lineup in years, boosting confidence ahead of the home tournament.
FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 will feature 16 teams divided into four groups of four, with the top team from each group advancing directly to the quarterfinals. A total of 36 games will be played across the tournament, hosted in Berlin’s Arena Berlin and Max-Schmeling-Halle venues. The draw was conducted by notable figures including Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson, former German handball star Stefan Kretzschmar, and German breakdance champion Jilou.
Legendary German basketball player Dirk Nowitzki also voiced his support, stating that the team’s goal must be to reach the quarterfinals and then assess their position in the tournament. His endorsement adds weight to the team’s aspirations as they prepare for their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
The German team views the draw as an opportunity to compete for medals, leveraging their strong roster and home-court advantage. With the tournament set to initiate on September 4, 2026, the team will focus on preparation in the coming months to maximize their chances of advancing beyond the group stage.
For continued updates on the German women’s basketball team’s preparation and performance in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, fans are encouraged to follow official team channels and trusted sports news sources.
