Basketball Australia has unveiled the final 12-player roster that will represent the Australian Opals at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, which will take place Sept. 4-13 in Berlin, Germany.
The roster features six players who helped Australia capture the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, including WNBA standouts Alanna Smith (Dallas Wings), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm), Jade Melbourne (Seattle Storm), Isobel Borlase (Atlanta Dream), Sami Whitcomb (Phoenix Mercury) and Steph Talbot (Las Vegas Aces).
Head coach Sandy Brondello will lead the Opals into her third FIBA Women’s World Cup as head coach, looking to build on Australia’s silver-medal finish in 2018 and bronze-medal performance in 2022. Brondello said the combination of veteran leadership and established chemistry gives Australia confidence heading into one of the world’s toughest international tournaments.
“I’m very confident in this group. We have a great mix of experience, talent and chemistry,” Brondello said.
“Sami is the Opals captain and is an amazing leader. She will be well supported by Ezi, Alanna, Steph and Jade.”
Brondello acknowledged the team’s limited preparation time before the tournament but emphasized the foundation that has been built over the past several years.
“While our preparation is short with this full group, we trust the work we’ve done over the past few years, we believe in each other, and now it’s about being at our best when it matters most,” Brondello said. “If we play to our identity, we know we can compete with anyone.”
Brondello will be joined on the sidelines by associate head coach Paul Goriss and assistant coaches Renae Garlepp and Kennedy Kereama.
The roster also includes several players who earned their selections through strong international and professional performances. Guard Steph Reid returns after helping Australia capture the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and recently signed with the Tasmania Jewels. Ally Wilson continues her rise after representing Australia in 3×3 basketball at the Paris Olympics before transitioning successfully to the WNBL and WNBA.
Chloe Bibby adds another scoring option after playing in Spain with Uni Girona CB and currently competing in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky. Alex Fowler enters the tournament following an MVP performance at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, while Isabelle Bourne and Zitina Aokuso provide size and versatility in the frontcourt after strong showings during the Asia Cup and Australia’s recent series against China.
Australia opens World Cup play against Puerto Rico on Friday, Sept. 4, at 5:30 p.m. AEST.
Australian Opals Roster
- Zitina Aokuso
- Chloe Bibby
- Isobel Borlase
- Isabelle Bourne
- Alex Fowler
- Ezi Magbegor
- Jade Melbourne
- Steph Reid
- Alanna Smith
- Steph Talbot
- Sami Whitcomb
- Alex Wilson
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