Germany to host the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026

MANILA (Philippines) - FIBA has awarded the hosting rights for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 to the German Basketball Federation (DBB). The decision was taken by FIBA's Central Board during today's meeting held in the Philippines on the eve of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw. This will be the second time that Germany will host the women's flagship tournament, having previously done so in 1998.  

The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 will take place during September 2026 in Berlin and will be played at two premium venues, namely Arena Berlin and Max-Schmeling Halle – the former having been used for the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 Final. 

DBB's impressive work as co-hosts of the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 played a key role in their award of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026. They hosted the Final Phase of the prestigious competition in the German capital, Berlin, as well as a Group Phase in Cologne, with the event considered to have been one of the most successful editions ever.  

It is an exciting time for women's basketball in Germany since the award of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 comes in the wake of the national team recently confirming their return to the FIBA Women's EuroBasket for the first time in 12 years. The German Federation has built a 10-year development plan for women's basketball, in line with FIBA's Women in Basketball strategy, and has placed the flagship event at the heart of its initiatives. 

FIBA President Hamane Niang said: "The Central Board was very pleased with the submission from the DBB, and I would like to congratulate them on behalf of the Board for the excellent work they have undertaken in putting this bid together. We are delighted to be able to award the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 to Germany. 

"FIBA received interest from several National Federations to organize the next women's World Cup, confirming the unique momentum for women's basketball. After the incredible success of the last edition in Sydney, we now look forward to the biggest women's event in basketball taking place in another iconic city like Berlin.

"Importantly, we are also looking forward to following what will be an exciting road to the German capital, especially with the introduction of the new Pre-Qualifying Tournaments that will start next year." 

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis commented: "I would like to congratulate DBB on their successful bid, and we are all now looking forward to a highly productive and successful cooperation during this important planning phase. 

"We are confident that together, we will be able to enhance further the brand and global appeal of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in a city that loves basketball and attracts millions of tourists annually. 

"The women's game continues to grow worldwide and with the expertise and track record DBB has from hugely successful events, there's no doubt we will all enjoy another exceptional event."  

The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 will be played with an expanded field of 16 teams and national teams will qualify through global Qualifying Tournaments. Additionally, with the introduction of the new Pre-Qualifying Tournaments, to be played in 2024, there is now an increased opportunity for even more nations to participate on the road to Berlin.  

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FIBA (fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball - is an independent association formed by 212 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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