Eight women's national teams are set to compete in the pre-qualifiers of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup that are scheduled for August 19-25 in Kigali.The pre-qualifiers will feature Groups C and D, each comprising four teams that will vie to book a slot at the main qualifying tournament that will unfold in March 2026.Rwanda was placed in Group D where it will face Great Britain, Argentina, and Lebanon.Here is what you may need to know about the eight teams in both groups.8. ArgentinaThe Argentines are chasing their first World Cup appearance since 2018 when they returned home empty-handed in three Group Phase games, in a tournament held in Tenerife, Spain.As they return to another world stage event, Argentina's recent results are anything but impressive.Except for their second-place finish in the 2022 FIBA South America Women's Championship held on home soil, 'Las Gigantes' are experiencing some tough times in terms of results.And a 1-4 record at FIBA Women's Americup 2023; a poor track record against non-South American teams and the absence of forward Andrea Boquete could make things really tough for Argentina in Kigali.7. RwandaThis is Rwanda's first-ever appearance at a world stage event, and sitting 74th in the FIBA World Rankings - the lowest among all eight teams - indicates how hard this tournament could be to Cheikh Sarr's team.Rwanda will count on the services of Keisha Hampton, a 34-year-old who had a brief WNBA career with Minnesota Lynx and Chicago Sky. Hampton's addition could be a major boost for the East African team.However, a close look at how Rwanda underperformed against two African high-ranked teams, Mali and Nigeria, losing by 30 points per game at Women's AfroBasket 2023 held on home soil, indicates that there was lots of room for improvement.6. PhilippinesThe Filipinas secured their place in Asia Women's Cup Division 1 last year, but they now face a new reality as they chase their first World Cup appearance.Although the islanders count with some talented players on their roster, it's hard to see how they can overcome the likes of Hungary, Senegal and Brazil in Group C.5. BrazilThe only top-10 team among the 16 Women's World Cup Pre-Qualifying teams, Brazil face an uphill task in Kigali, as they seem to be living a new era following the unavailability of Damaris Dantas, Kamilla Cardoso, Taina Paixao and Erika de Souza, who retired from the national team.Coach Jose Neto, who led the South Americans for the last six years, has been replaced by Bruna Rodrigues, another sign of Brazil's new era.Last February, Brazil came up short in the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 held on home soil after losses to Australia (60-55), Serbia (72-65) and Germany (73-71).Missing out the last two editions of the Olympic Games has certainly hurt Brazil, but failing to qualify to two straight Women's Basketball World Cup tournaments isn't what they envision, but they need to pass the tough Kigali test.4. LebanonThey might have had a modest FIBA Women's Asia Cup last year, but continuity and consistency over the last two years is what makes Lebanon a dark horse in this Pre-Qualifying Tournament.3. SenegalThe No.3 team in Africa - according to FIBA World Ranking - are eager to return to the Women's Basketball World Cup for the first time since 2018, and their ambition is reflected in the hiring of Coach Otis Hughley, a man who led their rivals Nigeria to back-to-back African Championships titles in 2019 and 2021.But what makes the Senegal team a threat is the firepower that young talented players like Ndioma Kane and Sabou Gueye bring to the table.2. Great BritainThe high level of competitiveness that Great Britain displayed at Women's EuroBasket 2023 is enough reason to believe that they can make some noise in Kigali.Leading the GB team's offense is Holly Winterburn, who plays tough defence but also attacks the basket so well.GB are chasing their first World Cup appearance, and Kigali might just be the starting of that much-awaited goal.1. HungaryThey have size, they play tough and bringing to Kigali the same roster that finished fourth at Women's EuroBasket 2023 and missed out the Paris Olympics by a whisker make Hungary the team to beat.
