The 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup kicks off this Friday, September 4, over in Berlin, Germany. Everyone expects Team USA to just waltz to another gold medal, right? They’ve won this competition the last four times straight, haven’t lost a World Cup since 2006! Being the only team with a full roster of WNBA stars, they are heavy favorites. But hold up, Emerald City, because a couple of our very own Seattle Storm stars are about to make some serious noise on the global stage. They might just be the reason USA’s perfect run comes to a screeching halt.
France Is Bringing the Heat, Led by Our Storm All-Star
First up, let’s talk France. Team USA barely squeezed past them by one point in the 2024 Olympics gold medal match. France is just as good, maybe even better now. They’ve got Gabby Williams from the Golden State Valkyries, having a career year, an All-Star starter averaging a career-high 14.3 points per game. She’ll lead their charge. But the real game-changer for France, and the one we’ve got our eyes on in Seattle, is our Storm sensation, Dominique Malonga. In just her second season with the Storm, this woman is putting up HUGE numbers: 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game! She’s an All-Star selection, scores inside, defends like a beast, and is still so young. Malonga could absolutely dominate a matchup against the United States, tipping things squarely in favor of France.
Australia and Spain Are No Strangers to Upsetting the Favorites
Then you’ve got Australia, who’s medaled in six of the last seven World Cups. They’re always a factor. Their roster is oozing with WNBA talent like Alanna Smith, Ezi Magbegor, Stephanie Talbot, and Jade Melbourne, all with WNBA experience. Even without Sami Whitcomb, Sandy Brondello coaches them, and her WNBA pedigree means she has the capability to get Australia over the hump. While their ceiling is gold, making it out of Group C will be a challenge against a deep, experienced Belgium squad. With their experience, they’ll be dangerous.
And don’t you dare sleep on Spain either, especially with another one of our Storm players making waves. Spain is increasingly stocked with WNBA experience. María Conde from the Toronto Tempo is having a strong season, averaging 8.9 points and shooting 35.3 percent from deep. She leads their backcourt and is a huge reason they’ll likely win Group A. And then there’s our other Storm young gun, Awa Fam! This young, dynamic frontcourt player could truly be the difference maker for her country. Fam is averaging 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for Seattle this season. Her production in the World Cup is gonna be just as good, if not better. Fam represents Spain’s bright future!
The Emerald City Is Ready to Watch History
So yeah, Team USA is the heavy favorite, but these games are never a sure thing. With Malonga and Fam both absolutely balling out for the Storm this season, even with a tough recent loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, 90-74, they are clearly hitting their stride at the perfect time. The Emerald City is gonna be glued to the screen, cheering on our Storm stars as they go for gold. Get ready, Berlin, because our Seattle talent is coming for that trophy!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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