2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Group B Preview and Prediction
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is finally here—the tournament tips off this Friday, September 4th. 16 teams are competing, separated into four groups. Let’s take a look at Group B.
2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Group B Preview and Prediction
France-World Ranking: 2
After a heartbreaking loss in the 2024 Olympic Finals, France is ready to bounce back and aim to win gold. There is a lot of promise for this team, as they are led by none other than Gabby Williams. Williams currently plays for the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA. She is having the best season of her career, averaging 14.3 points per game. A player to watch is Dominique Malonga. The second-year WNBA player is making her FIBA World Cup debut. Malonga is averaging 17.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this season with the Seattle Storm. France has a solid team that will be hard to beat in this tournament. Their roster has the perfect balance of offense and defense.
Nigeria-World Ranking: 8
Nigeria is making its 3rd appearance in the World Cup. Nigeria is coming off of an AfroBasket title. This win marked the country’s fifth consecutive title in the AfroBasket Tournament. Nigeria’s biggest offensive weapon is Amy Okonkwo. Okonkwo is a two-time AfroBasket MVP. She is averaging 14.0 points and 6.0 rebounds on the year. Forward Murjanatu Musa is a player to keep an eye on. She averaged 7.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in the AfroBasket Tournament. Musa brings a strong interior presence that will benefit Nigeria at this World Cup.
Korea-World Ranking: 15
Korea is making its 17th World Cup appearance. Since 1964, Korea has appeared in every edition of the FIBA World Cup. This is one of the most impressive streaks in international basketball. One of Korea’s top players is Lee-Seul Kang. During this year’s qualifying tournament, Kang averaged 18.6 points and 1.6 steals per game. The guard knocked down a record-breaking eight three-pointers against the Philippines in one of the tournament games. If Kang heats up from three, Korea could have a strong run this time around. The other guard, Jihyun Park, adds more on offense. Park averaged 11.2 points and 4.2 rebounds during qualifying.
Hungary-World Ranking: 19
Hungary is making its 6th World Cup appearance. Their last appearance was in 1998. In the qualifying tournament, Hungary went 3-2, defeating Japan, Argentina, and Türkiye to earn their place.
One of the standout players is the WNBA’s Dorka Juhász. Juhász played really well during the qualifying tournament. She averaged 18.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. While Juhász is not a starter for her WNBA team, the Minnesota Lynx, she is a starter for Hungary. If Hungary wants to advance out of the group stage, Juhász will need to lead them. Réka Lelik is a player to look out for. Lelik is a versatile player who can score and create for her teammates. She adds an extra scoring punch, especially from the wing.
The Last Word
France will look to build on the momentum from the qualifying tournament in this World Cup. With a solid roster all-around, France should win Group B comfortably. In Group B, Nigeria has the least amount of experience in the World Cup. However, ranking 8th overall means they have a team that can find ways to win.
Korea has the most tournament experience in this group. An issue to note is the lack of players on their roster. This can hurt the team as the competition develops. Hungary has a few players on its roster who can step up when needed. This team should not be counted out.
Final Group B Prediction: 1st: France, 2nd: Nigeria, 3rd: Hungary, 4th: Korea
More Women’s Basketball News:
2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Group A Preview and Prediction
WNBA Power Rankings at the 2026 FIBA World Cup Break
Top 5 WNBA MVP Candidates For The 2026 Season
Photo Credit: John Jones, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
