From September 4 to 13, Germany will be the epicenter of global basketball. The Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin brings together many of the biggest international stars in an event that combines the presence of established icons like Breanna Stewart and Emma Meesseman with the emergence of young players destined to make their mark, such as Caitlin Clark and Awa Fam. These are ten players to watch throughout the championship.
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The United States aims to equal Sue Bird’s record of four world titles if they win in Berlin. Breanna Stewart takes on a leading role after A’ja Wilson’s last-minute withdrawal. Her skill, versatility, and leadership in crucial moments make her one of the best in the world. A three-time WNBA champion and three-time Olympic champion, the all-around and tireless Stewart enters the tournament as a key player.
The new generation finds its greatest expression in Caitlin Clark. After missing Paris 2024, she arrives in Berlin to shine in her first senior international competition. Clark is capable of changing a game in seconds; her court vision and enormous shooting range make her one of the most spectacular basketball players today. This season with the Indiana Fever, she is averaging 22.5 points and 8.4 assists per game.
The American perimeter is complemented by Paige Bueckers, a player with a special aura, chosen first overall in the 2025 draft. After being named Rookie of the Year, this season with the Dallas Wings she has established herself as one of the most impactful players, averaging 20.6 points and 5.9 assists. She is a fan favorite for her extraordinary playmaking talent and her ability to read defenses.
Awa Fam y Alba Torrens lideran la lista de España para el Mundial femenino de baloncesto https://t.co/khJNX1Qf2d
— Salamancahoy (@Salamanca__hoy) August 31, 2026
The text reads, “Awa Fam and Alba Torrens lead Spain’s list for the Women’s Basketball World Cup”
In the European contingent, Belgium is counting on Emma Meesseman. Despite her 1.93 meters, the center orchestrates the offense for the dangerous Belgian team. She is the only player to be named MVP in two consecutive European Championships (2023 and 2025), and this year she won her seventh EuroLeague title with Fenerbahçe, the most in history.
France features Marine Johannès, a player whose unpredictable style of play makes her one of the most entertaining. Her elegant one-legged three-pointers are particularly noteworthy. Alongside her, Gabby Williams brings character and defense. The Valkyries’ leader is eager for revenge after the Olympic final and is seeking her first World Cup medal.
The hosts, Germany, are relying on Leonie Fiebich. Following Satou Sabally’s injury, the versatile Fiebich will be their main scoring option thanks to her ability to score from anywhere on the court, combining size (1.92 m) and athleticism. The 26-year-old forward is known to Spanish fans for being named the Liga Femenina Endesa’s Best Player (2023 and 2024) with Casademont Zaragoza and Valencia Basket.
Hungary is playing in its first World Cup, led by Dorka Juhasz. The former UConn player combines height (1.92 m), rebounding, and outside shooting. She was the star of the pre-World Cup with 18 points and 9 rebounds, helping the country qualify for the first time. This season, at 26, she became the youngest player to win the EuroLeague MVP.
Spain’s hopes rest on the duo of Awa Fam and her inseparable partner, Iyana Martín. Selected third overall in the last WNBA draft, the 20-year-old from Santa Pola is one of the most promising players in Spanish basketball. After winning everything with Valencia Basket, she made the jump to the Seattle Storm, establishing herself with averages of 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds.
Finally, China presents Zhang Ziyu. At 2.20 meters tall and just 18 years old, the Chinese center faces her first World Cup as one of the biggest sensations in international basketball. Considered by FIBA to be the tallest player in history, Ziyu, born in 2007, is the great hope of Chinese basketball and will be the team’s defensive ‘wall’.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | France: Demonstrators rallied in Paris to support Palestine and called for a boycott against Israeli athletes participating in a basketball game. pic.twitter.com/4lzPQJo54R
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