2026 FIFA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers

Mali’s shaky path to qualifying for Women’s World Cup

THE Mali women’s team probably headed back to Bamako with a great sense of relief. It follows their dramatic qualification for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany (4-13 September). On their way to reaching a third World Cup, Mali were jittery and then nervously waited to secure their spot.

In Wuhan, results were mixed. An 81–68 loss to China showed inexperience. A 77–64 win over Czechia showed promise. An 81–50 defeat to Belgium exposed gaps. A 76–73 loss to Brazil highlighted fragility. However, a 97–74 win over World Cup Qualifiers debutantes South Sudan kept hopes alive.

A huge favour from EuroBasket champions Belgium was also needed on the final day of the qualifiers. Mali got the job done in their final qualifying game against South Sudan, and Belgium came through for them, beating Czechia (93-50).

While fortune played a hand in getting the Malian women this far, credit must go to the federation. The structures put in place by the federation led to the discovery of star talents such as Maimouna Haidara, Sika Kone, Alima Dembele and Elisabeth Kamite Dabou.

Maimouna Haidara

Maimouna Haidara, who had already played in her first senior World Cup in 2022, replicated the form which saw her dominate for Mali at the youth level.

Her production (15.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists) at the qualifiers was a marked improvement from her previous major tournaments. From the 2021 AfroBasket, scoring in double figures was a struggle for Haidara, whose best scoring average was 6.4. at the next continental tournament in 2023. She also recorded her best rebounding average (6.6) and assists average (2.4) that year.

It was a different story for Haidara at the World Cup qualifiers. Her scoring struggles from past tournaments were a thing of the past as she delivered match-winning performances (24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and efficiency of 25) against Czechia and in their triumph over South Sudan, she again rose to the occasion (19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and efficiency of 26).

It was fitting that Haidara was an All-Star five at the Wuhan leg of the qualifiers.

Sika Koné

Meanwhile, Sika Koné was a steady presence for Mali. Although she was neither spectacular nor poor, she ranked second in rebounds (8.8) in Wuhan and contributed a solid 11.4 points.

Her best performance was a double-double (20 points and 11 rebounds) in the loss to Brazil. While not at peak scoring form, Mali can still count on Koné to deliver top-notch performances.

Elisabeth Kamite Dabou

Elisabeth Kamite Dabou, who graduated alongside Haidara to the senior team, found her footing in these qualifiers. Dabou’s 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists make her a player to look out for at the World Cup. She made a move to the French club ASA Sceaux Basket last year after cutting her teeth at Senegal’s AS Ville de Dakar.

Dabou was 11/27 (40.7%) from three-point range in the five games of the qualifiers. In Mali’s first group win against Czechia, Dabou (14 points) was 4/6 from three-point range. Additionally, her shooting from beyond the arc was evident against South Sudan, where she went 3/8 from three-point range on her way to a 16-point performance.

Alima Dembele

Alima Dembele maintained her 2025 Women’s AfroBasket scoring form at the qualifiers (10.2 points). Although she slightly upped her production in other departments (4.6 rebounds and 2 assists).

Dembélé delivered an impressive performance in the win over Czechia, finishing with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. She also went 9/10 from the free-throw line, underlining her effectiveness as a strong presence in the paint. It was the same scenario in the victory over the South Sudanese, where Dembele made it to the charity stripe 7/8 times. In her Player of the Match performance against the East Africans, she scored 20 points while adding four rebounds and four assists.

The quartet played a key role in helping Mali progress through a tough qualifying campaign. It will not be easy come September, as Mali have to hit the ground running if they harbour aspirations of going far at the World Cup. They need to tighten every nut and bolt if they want to be competitive when they face the best in the world.

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Mali’s building blocks could pay off at World Cup qualifiers

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MALI has enjoyed an upward trajectory in international basketball, and one of the programmes contributing to the West African nation’s success is the senior women’s team, which is vying for a spot in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany this year (4-13 September).

Currently competing in Wuhan, China, at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments (11-17 March), the Malians appear to offer Africa the strongest chance of securing a second berth at this year’s World Cup, alongside Nigeria’s D’Tigress, who have already qualified by virtue of winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket.

Oumarou Sidiya, who led Mali to the Women’s AfroBasket final last year and a third-place finish at the 2023 tournament, remains at the helm as the coach. Sidiya has contributed to the success of Mali’s U16 women’s national youth programmes, which have been dominant since 2009. He also played a role in developing players like Sika Koné.

Having proven himself at the youth level and elevating Mali at the last two women’s senior AfroBaskets is a sign that Sidiya is worth his salt as a coach. He could be the right man to lead Mali to a third World Cup appearance.

Mali Coach Oumarou Sidiya at the 2025 AfroBasket — **Can Oumarou Sidiya mastermind a successful World Cup qualifying campaign for Mali? Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Sika Kone (Forward): Former WNBA player Koné is one of Mali’s most prominent players. At last year’s AfroBasket, she averaged 10.4 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and recorded an efficiency rating of 16.6. Kone is a vital cog for Mali to have a good run in these qualifiers.

Djeneba Ndiaye (Guard): The Scotland-based Ndiaye played a leading role in Mali’s run to the 2025 AfroBasket final, scoring 12.4 and dishing out 2.2 assists. Despite being undersized (165cm/5ft4), Ndiaye is not afraid to take on bigger players in the paint. It led to her making nine of her 16 free throws.

Alima Dembele (Forward): Dembele will be a vital scoring component for the Malians. She is a player with a strong inside game, which the West Africans will rely on. Her 10.2 points and four rebounds contributed to Mali’s impressive run at last year’s AfroBasket, and the Sahel nation will count on her production at the qualifiers.

Team Strengths

Continuity: The majority of Mali’s roster have progressed through the national youth system, with players such as Kone, Ndiaye, and Dembele having previously competed in FIBA youth tournaments at both the continental and global levels. Players such as Maimouna Haidara, the MVP of the 2022 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket, have been gradually integrated into the squad over the years. Oummou Koumare, the MVP of the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket, has since joined Haidara and other teammates for the qualifiers in China.

Strong Rebounding Team: Mali ranked third in rebounding at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, collecting 54 team rebounds. Individually, Koné was second in the tournament, averaging 11 rebounds per game.

Sika Kone at the 2025 AfroBasket. — **Sika Kone carries Mali’s hopes at the World Cup Qualifiers.**

Qualifying Group

The Malians, who will compete in the Wuhan leg of the qualifiers, are in Group A alongside fellow African team South Sudan. Completing the group are hosts China, Belgium, Brazil, and Czechia. Mali holds a 2–0 record against South Sudan, but recent matchups against Brazil, Czechia, and China have ended in defeat for the West Africans.

Qualifying Chances

Mali, who last competed in the 2022 Women’s World Cup, are possibly the best hope for Arica to have a second representative at the Women’s World Cup in Germany. The investment made in their development programme over the years has paid off. Mali face a mountain, and the only way to scale it is to be in sync and improve on the performance of the last AfroBasket.

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Can Senegal emerge from the shadows in Puerto Rico?

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SENEGAL women’s national basketball team – commonly known as the Lionesses – have qualified for eight FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup tournaments. Ahead of their qualifying campaign in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the question is whether the West African side can secure a ninth appearance at this year’s tournament in Germany.

However, the Lionesses appear to be a shadow of the team that once dominated African basketball, winning the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title 11 times and last qualified for the global showpiece in 2018.

At the most recent AfroBasket, Senegal narrowly lost their semi-final clash to Nigeria Women’s National Basketball Team, 75–68, before falling 66–65 to South Sudan Women’s National Basketball Team in the bronze medal game. Despite those setbacks, reaching the 2025 semi-finals automatically secured Senegal a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournaments. The Lionesses head into the qualifiers as one of Africa’s most experienced teams.

Senegal appointed Dr Cheikh Sarr as head coach in early 2026 to lead the Lionesses. Sarr is a renowned African coach; he led the Senegalese men’s team at the 2018 FIBA World Cup and to third-place finishes at AfroBasket 2013 and 2015. He takes over from Otis Hughley Jr., who coached the team at last year’s Women’s AfroBasket.

**Dr Cheikh Sarr led Senegal’s women to the 2018 Women’s World Cup. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Key Players & Team Strengths

Yacine Diop (Forward): A veteran swingman, Diop averaged 9.0 ppg in Abidjan, with her ability to hit midrange jumpers and rebound (4.3 rpg in AfroBasket 2025), she provides leadership and toughness inside.

Sokhna Ndiaye (Centre): A strong post presence and rebounder. Ndiaye scored 8.6 ppg and grabbed 5.6 rebounds per game at AfroBasket. Her size and interior scoring help anchor the paint on both ends.

Khadija Faye (Centre): Another frontcourt veteran. She averaged 5.3 rebounds per game in Abidjan and offers interior defence. Faye also has range on her shot from beyond the arc.

Ndioma Kané (Guard): A crafty combo guard who can handle the ball. Kané averaged 4.2 assists per game at AfroBasket, showing she can run the offence and find teammates.

Team Strengths

Offensive Matchups: Diop and Ndiaye can post up smaller forwards, so look for mismatch play in the paint. Kansas’s athleticism could also target teams with weaker rebounding.

Defensive Adjustments: The absence of a true shot blocker from Senegal’s roster could force them to rely on double teams against strong post players. If opposing teams feature quick guards, Kané will need to elevate his defensive impact. Against athletic backcourts such as those of the USA or Spain, Senegal might aim to control the tempo and potentially employ full-court traps to disrupt the offence.

**Yacine Diop has been a mainstay in the Senegal setup.**

Qualifying Group

Senegal will play in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in Group A. The group includes the USA, Spain, Italy, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand. This is an extremely difficult draw: the USA and Spain are perennial powerhouses. Senegal’s immediate goals will be to secure wins over Italy, New Zealand, and host Puerto Rico. Games against the USA and Spain will be tough, but the Lionesses must play to win whenever possible.

Qualifying Chances

On paper, Senegal faces a very challenging path. In group play, the Lionesses will be heavy underdogs versus the USA and Spain. To qualify, they will likely need to steal a victory from one of the mid-tier teams (Italy or New Zealand) and split games with Puerto Rico.

Senegal has valuable experience, and it could come to the fore on the big stage. However, consistency will be critical. If Senegal wins their winnable games or possibly causes an upset against one of the favourites, it could finish in the top three. Historically, the team has risen to the moment in Africa, but the World Cup qualifiers will demand their best.

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Can Bright Starlets defy the odds at the World Cup qualifiers?

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SOUTH Sudan’s Bright Starlets have been a surprise in African basketball. The East African nation got a wildcard entry to AfroBasket 2025, marking their debut in the women’s continental championship. Defying expectations, the Bright Starlets climbed all the way to the podium.

They then stunned 11-time champions Senegal 66–65 in the bronze-medal game. In doing so, South Sudan became the first-ever AfroBasket women’s debutant to win a medal. Their run to the top four at AfroBasket 2025 secured their spot in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 qualifying tournaments. The Bright Starlets, who will compete in Wuhan, China (11-17 March), enter the qualifiers riding unprecedented momentum.

The East Africans will once again be coached by Alberto Antuña, the Spanish tactician who assumed the role in late 2024. Antuña brings extensive African coaching experience, having guided Uganda at the 2023 AfroBasket and coached Senegal at the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifiers in Belgium. He will now try to replicate that success on the world stage.

Key Players & Team Strengths

Delicia Washington (Point Guard): The team’s floor general. A former NCAA player, Washington led South Sudan at AfroBasket 2025 with 18.2 points and 5.3 assists per game. She drives the offence, penetrates for scores, and finds teammates on kick-outs. Her scoring outburst (22 points) and near double-double in the bronze game were crucial to the upset.

Maria Teresa Gakdeng South Sudan 2026 World Cup Qualifiers — **South Sudan will count on Maria Teresa Gakdeng’s scoring and rebounding at the World Cup Qualifiers. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Maria Teresa Gakdeng (Centre): A rookie sensation. Gakdeng pulled down a tournament-high 11.7 rebounds per game, dominating the boards both offensively and defensively. She also averaged 10.8 points. In the bronze medal game, she nearly had a triple-double (14 points, 13 rebounds), and her interior presence keeps opponents off the glass.

Adut Bulgak (Forward/Centre): A 2.05m veteran (former WNBA draftee) providing experience and toughness. Bulgak averaged 7.7 rebounds per gameand chipped in double-digit scoring in key games. Her physical defence and rebounding were critical in matches against higher-ranked opponents.

Nyamer Lual Diew (Forward): A versatile forward. Diew scored 10.2 ppg at AfroBasket and hit the clutch free throw to win the bronze game with 6 seconds left. She will add energy on both ends and can slash to the hoop effectively.

Team Strengths

Speed vs Size: South Sudan thrives on a fast-break offence led by Washington. They will look to push the ball quickly after defensive rebounds. Against big teams like China or Belgium, they must run early before the defence sets up. Gakdeng’s rebounding allows them to initiate transition.

Physical Play: In the half-court, Washington’s driving can collapse defences and kick out to shooters. However, South Sudan lacks proven shooters, so getting to the rim is key. Defensively, Bulgak and Gakdeng will battle physically inside. If opponents attack the paint, South Sudan can remain competitive by avoiding getting into foul trouble.

Alberto Antuna South Sudan coach 2026 — **Will Alberto Antuna and South Sudan spring a surprise at the World Cup Qualifiers?**

Qualifying Group

South Sudan are in Group A and will compete in Wuhan, China. Their opponents are China (host), Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, and Mali. The group presents a tough challenge, featuring some of the world’s strongest teams. Belgium, which finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup, and China, currently ranked among the world’s top five, headline the competition. Brazil is a consistent qualifier for major tournaments, the Czech Republic regularly competes at the Olympic level, and Mali arrives with strong momentum after claiming silver at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket.

South Sudan’s path is clear but hard: they will target the games they can win (for example, Mali, Czechia) while trying to keep losses respectable against the giants. Every game will be a learning experience at this stage.

Qualifying Chances

The Bright Starlets will be heavy underdogs in Wuhan. As one of the tournament’s newest teams, their possible goal will be to gain experience. That said, they proved in Abidjan that they can shock much stronger teams.

If they catch any opponent off guard, as they did with Senegal and Uganda, they might surprise again. Realistically, South Sudan will need to finish among the top teams in the group to qualify, a very tall order against those nations.

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