"VAN" (Sports Desk - 21.03.2026) :: While USA strengthened their grip on top spot after going perfect in San Juan, several other nations have climbed up the FIBA World Ranking Women, presented by Nike, thanks to strong performances in the recent FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
The most prominent headline sees France celebrate their newfound status as the second-highest-ranked nation. They have moved ahead of Australia after impressing in Lyon-Villeurbanne with a flawless five wins, also receiving a supremacy bonus in four of those outings on home soil for defeating their opponents by a margin of 15 or more points.
While Belgium didn't quite manage to take a Top Five place, they're now breathing down the necks of China, with the teams separated by less than a point.
The Cats posted an outstanding and unbeaten Qualifying Tournament in Wuhan, with their perfect run including a statement win against China as they impressed with their ball movement and team basketball.
Japan are back in the Top 10 of the rankings as they move up one place from 11th, having safely punched their ticket for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin with wins over Canada and Argentina in Istanbul.
Similarly Germany, the hosts of this year's flagship event also rise a place from 12th to 11th. They racked up four eye-catching victories in the Qualifiers, including a win against African champions, Nigeria.
Senegal and Argentina are the highest climbers from Africa and the Americas. Both teams were still in contention to qualify for the Women's World Cup until the final game day of the Qualifying Tournaments in San Juan and Istanbul. Senegal move up three places and are now 23rd, while Argentina climb four spots to 24th.
History was made by Qualifying Tournament debutantes Philippines, who recorded a landmark first global victory. A source of immense pride and celebration, it also facilitated a jump of 9 places into 30th.
The biggest climbers are South Sudan, who for the first time ever can call themselves a Top 50 nation. Even if they were not able to dig out a precious maiden win at the Qualifying Tournament in Wuhan, their participation at the event for the first time contributed to a leap of 13 spots into 42nd place.
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