MEXICO CITY (Mexico) – The second Semi-Final of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualying Tournament in Mexico will feature the biggest surprise (host team Mexico) and arguably the best team of the event so far (Czechia). This David vs. Goliath-style matchup has the potential to upend the tournament, as Mexico will be looking to extend their dream run against a squad that lacks any apparent weaknesses.
Key Matchup
Gabriela Jaquez and Julia Reisingerova have been their countries’ most consistent players so far in the tournament. The UCLA player is the tournament’s leading scorer at 22.3 points per game and is also averaging 8 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting 51 percent from the field and 50 percent from downtown.
Reisingerova is averaging 15 points and 4.7 rebounds in under 20 minutes per game and could scale up her role if head coach Romana Ptackova needs more production from her.
X-Factor
Czechia’s size in the frontcourt looms large as the biggest obstacle for Mexico. The 3-headed monster made up of centers Reisingerova, Emma Cechova and Natalie Stoupalova gives the Europeans a clear advantage on both ends of the floor. Myriam Lara will have her work cut out for her and Mexico will likely need a great showing from beyond the arc to level the odds.
Stats Don’t Lie
Czechia, so far, has been superior across the board. They lead the tournament in points (82.0 per game), field goal percentage (45.8), three-point percentage (37.8), assists (24.3), blocks (4.0) and efficiency (102.0). The one area where Mexico can capitalize is turnovers, as they’ve proved to be more adept at taking care of the ball. While the hosts have 40 miscues across their 3 games, Czechia has 53.
Past Matchups
This will be the first official matchup between these teams.
They Said
“Our starting point guard is out with an ankle injury. Our next point guard, I chose to rest because she needed to rest. Everyone else stepped up to play positions that they’re not used to playing. It’s a huge confidence booster and it shows how deep we are and how well they play together.” – Mexico head coach Lindsey Harding
“Mexico we played in a friendly a couple of days ago. We know they are a physical team, and they will have a great home court advantage.” – Czechia head coach Romana Ptackova FIBA