The Spanish women’s basketball national team head coach, Miguel Méndez, announced a 21-player preliminary roster for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup preparation, featuring Navarre guard Irati Etxarri alongside WNBA talent and returning veterans ahead of the September tournament in Berlin.
The Pre-World Cup Roster Selection
According to reports from Spain, Miguel Méndez released the expansive 21-player preliminary list on a Friday ahead of the global showcase scheduled for September 4–13 in Berlin, Germany. The roster construction merges domestic league standouts with high-profile international talent, creating a competitive environment as the technical staff looks toward the final roster cuts.
Méndez must trim the 21-player pool down to a definitive 12-player roster before the tournament begins. Spain enters the global competition as the reigning European runner-up, having claimed silver at the last Eurobasket after falling to Belgium in the final.
Inclusion of WNBA Players and Veteran Returnees
The list features María Conde, Maite Cazorla, Raquel Carrera, Megan Gustafson, and Alicia Flórez. Because the Women’s National Basketball Association regular season does not conclude until August 31, the technical staff faces a compressed timeline to integrate those transatlantic contributors once they arrive in camp.
The roster also marks the notable return of veteran guard Alba Torrens. At 36 years old, the Azulmarino Mallorca player earns her first selection since the previous Eurobasket campaign, adding crucial championship experience and leadership to the backcourt group.
Group A Opponents and Tournament Format
For the group stage in Berlin, Spain finds itself positioned in Group A. The national team will open its tournament schedule against host nation Germany on September 4, followed by preliminary fixtures against Mali and Japan.
Securing the top spot in Group A carries significant tournament implications. A first-place finish guarantees a more favorable matchup in the quarterfinal round and allows the squad to bypass a potentially grueling qualification playoff game.
Complete Preliminary Roster
The full 21-player training camp roster named by the coaching staff comprises:
- Txell Alarcón
- María Araujo
- Aina Ayuso
- Elena Buenavida
- Raquel Carrera
- Maite Cazorla
- María Conde
- Irati Etxarri
- Awa Fam
- Alicia Flórez
- Marta García
- Paula Ginzo
- Carolina Guerrero
- Megan Gustafson
- Nerea Hermosa
- Iyana Martín
- Mariona Ortiz
- Lola Pendande
- Helena Pueyo
- Alba Torrens
- Andrea Vilaró
Next Steps on the Road to Berlin
Training camp preparations will commence in the coming weeks as players filter in from their respective club competitions and North American league commitments. Méndez and his coaching staff will evaluate form, fitness, and tactical cohesion during the preparation phase before naming the final 12-player delegation that will travel to Germany for the September 4 tournament opener.
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