Istanbul – The Turkish Basketball Federation has announced the 12-player 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 Basketball World Cup Qualifiers. Head coach Andrea Mazzon unveiled the squad, setting the stage for a challenging tournament window in Istanbul from March 11-17.
The team faces a tough draw in Group C, where they will battle against Hungary, Argentina, Australia, Canada, and Japan. This group presents a significant test for Turkey as they aim to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Mazzon’s Squad: A Blend of Experience and New Talent
The roster features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging players, reflecting Coach Mazzon’s strategy to combine experience with fresh energy. The selected players are Ayşe Cora Yamaner, Beren Burke, Derin Erdoğan, Elif Bayram, Esra Ural Topuz, Gökşen Fitik, Melek Uzunoğlu, Olcay Çakır Turgut, Sevgi Uzun, Sinem Ataş, Şerife Alperi Onar, and Zeynep Şevval Gül.
Mazzon, who was appointed head coach in October 2025, brings a wealth of experience to the Turkish program. According to the Turkish Sports Agency, Mazzon has a decorated career, including leading Umana Reyer Venezia Women to the Italian League championship and Supercoppa Italiana title in the 2023-2024 season. He also has NBA and G League experience, having worked with the Philadelphia 76ers and Delaware 87ers from 2014-2016.
Preparing for a Hard Tournament
The team will have limited preparation time before the opening match, with only three practice sessions scheduled prior to the start of the qualifying tournament. As Mazzon stated to Anadolu Agency, “We will face incredibly high-level opponents. Japan has a certain style of play. The other teams also have a high level of physical performance. There is a challenge ahead, that is true.” He emphasized the require for intelligent play, noting, “We need to play very smartly. This is a really smart country. The players are also smart people. When you put the two together, I think we will achieve success.”
Mazzon confirmed that there are currently no injury concerns within the team, allowing him to focus on building team cohesion and implementing his tactical approach. He expressed confidence in the selected group, stating they were chosen for their specific skills and ability to compete effectively. “We have a solid player group, I think. It was very difficult to choose 12 players. We didn’t pick the players we chose because they were better than the others, but because they have a certain style,” he explained.
World Cup Qualification: What’s at Stake?
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is the premier international competition for women’s basketball, bringing together the top national teams from around the globe. Qualifying for the tournament is a significant achievement for any nation, providing a platform to showcase their talent and compete against the best. For Turkey, a successful qualifying campaign would represent a major step forward for the program and inspire a new generation of basketball players.
The tournament window in Istanbul will be crucial for Turkey’s chances of advancing. Facing a challenging group, every game will be a battle. The team’s ability to adapt, execute Mazzon’s game plan, and capitalize on their strengths will be key to overcoming their opponents.
Mazzon also highlighted the positive reception he has received in Turkey, stating, “First of all, it is a privilege to be here.” This warm welcome is likely to provide a boost to both the coach and the team as they embark on their World Cup qualifying journey.
The A Milli Kadın Basketbol Takımı will undoubtedly face a demanding road ahead, but with a talented roster and an experienced coach, they are determined to create a strong push for a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. The nation will be watching closely as they compete on home soil, hoping to see their team achieve success on the international stage.
Next up for Turkey is their opening match of the FIBA 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers on March 11th in Istanbul. Fans can follow the team’s progress and receive official updates through the Turkish Basketball Federation’s website and social media channels.
