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Tag: 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

  • Gilas Women surge nine spots to World No. 30 after breakthrough FIBA run

    Gilas Women surge nine spots to World No. 30 after breakthrough FIBA run

    Momentum rarely shows up instantly in the rankings—but for the Gilas Pilipinas Women, it finally did.

     

    Days after securing a long-awaited breakthrough on the global stage, the Filipinas were rewarded with a significant leap in the latest FIBA women’s world rankings, climbing nine places to No. 30. It marks a clear shift from where they stood just months ago, when they were ranked 39th heading into the latter half of 2025.

     

    The jump was anchored on a single, defining moment—one that resonated beyond the final buzzer.

     

    Their 74-59 victory over the Colombia Women’s National Basketball Team not only secured a win in their debut appearance at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, but also signaled that the Philippines could compete—and win—against teams outside its traditional sphere.

     

    That result stood out even more considering the level of competition the team faced throughout the tournament. Competing in the France qualifiers, Gilas battled seasoned programs and ultimately finished fifth, a placement that underscored both the difficulty of the field and the significance of their lone victory.

     

    While the climb to No. 30 reflects recent gains, it also places the Philippines in a stronger regional and continental context. The team now stands as the top-ranked squad in Southeast Asia and sixth overall in Asia, trailing only established powers such as Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.

     

    At the very top of the global ladder, the United States Women’s National Basketball Team continues to hold firm at No. 1, followed by France, Australia, China, and Belgium, with Spain, Canada, Nigeria, Brazil, and Japan completing the top 10.

     

    For Gilas Women, however, the latest rankings are less about comparison and more about confirmation. Their rise didn’t come out of nowhere. Just months earlier, the Filipinas swept through the Southeast Asian Games, reaffirming their dominance in the region. This time, though, the progress extended beyond Southeast Asia—into a global setting where every possession is harder earned.

     

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    And there is little time to celebrate, the calendar ahead ensures that the Filipinas cannot afford to slow down, with the 2026 Asian Games set to begin on September 19. 

     

    Reinforcements are expected to boost the squad for that campaign, with key mainstays Jackie Animam and Naomi Panganiban who were the Filipinas’ leading scorers in their FIBA Asia Cup campaign are projected to be available during the tournament window. 

     

    Their return could provide much-needed experience and stability as the team looks to translate its growing confidence into results on another major stage.

     

    Beyond that, an even bigger responsibility looms. Gilas Women is set to defend home court when it hosts the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Manila next year—a rare opportunity to showcase its progress in front of a home crowd while competing against the continent’s elite.

     

    With a rising ranking, a breakthrough win, and a packed international schedule ahead, the Filipinas are no longer just chasing progress. They are now expected to sustain it.

     

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  • Pat Aquino proud of Gilas Women’s historic first win against non-Asian team 

    Pat Aquino proud of Gilas Women’s historic first win against non-Asian team 

    The journey may have ended, but not without a breakthrough that could redefine the future of the program.

     

    The Gilas Pilipinas Women closed their campaign in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament with more than just a win—they left with validation.

     

    Their 74-59 triumph over the Colombia women’s national basketball team at the Astroballe was not only a highlight of their stint but a landmark moment in Philippine women’s basketball. It marked the first time the national team defeated a non-Asian opponent, a breakthrough that carried weight far beyond the final score.

     

    As the buzzer sounded, the celebration said it all. The Filipinas erupted in joy—hands raised, heads high—fully aware of the significance of what they had just accomplished against a higher-ranked foe.

     

    For head coach Patrick Aquino, the result was a reflection of belief meeting opportunity.

    “Looking at the matchups, the height gaps and everything, we’re outmatched by everyone. I wanted to be clear, this is not a lack of talent,” Aquino said during the post-game press conference.

     

    “The girls proved that Filipinas can play basketball. Definitely, we’re up to this world-class level. They never gave up, I’m so proud of them,” he added.

     

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    The numbers may show a 1-4 record, but the context tells a different story. Gilas navigated a gauntlet of elite competition, facing France women’s national basketball team, Germany women’s national basketball team, South Korea women’s national basketball team, and Nigeria women’s national basketball team—all established forces on the global stage.

     

    Each game brought lessons, adjustments, and glimpses of a team learning in real time how to compete at the highest level. By the time they faced Colombia, those lessons had taken shape, culminating in a performance that combined resilience, execution, and composure.

     

    For Aquino, who has spent a decade guiding the program, the moment was deeply personal.

    “Yeah, reflecting on this journey. I’ve been with the Gilas program for a decade now. And seeing how we’ve grown, how we’ve become a team, and seeing them compete at this world-class level — it’s a journey we’ll cherish forever,” Aquino said.

     

    “And winning a game outside Asia against a top-caliber team means a lot back home. It’s probably the next step for us — to build more players in the program so we can sustain and compete at this level,” he added.

     

    In the end, the standings may show an early exit, but the message is far more significant. Gilas Pilipinas Women didn’t just participate—they proved they belong.

     

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  • Gilas Women stun No. 19 Colombia in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers breakthrough

    Gilas Women stun No. 19 Colombia in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers breakthrough

    History arrived not with a whisper, but with a surge. The Gilas Pilipinas Women finally broke through on the global stage, overpowering the Colombia women’s national basketball team, 74-59, to secure their first-ever victory in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

     

    For a team stepping into this level of competition for the first time, the journey to that milestone win was anything but smooth. Early nerves showed as Colombia dictated the tempo in the opening half, building a double-digit cushion behind timely baskets, including a layup from Jennifer Muñoz that stretched the lead to 36-26 late in the second quarter.

     

    Still, Gilas refused to unravel. Down 33-40 at the break, the Filipinas returned to the floor with a different edge — one built on composure, energy, and belief.

     

    Veteran presence met youthful spark in the third quarter, with Afril Bernardino and Sumayah Sugapong igniting a turnaround that slowly chipped away at Colombia’s control. By the end of the period, the Philippines had flipped the script, taking a 51-47 advantage and setting the stage for a defining final quarter.

     

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    That’s when Kacey Dela Rosa took over. After briefly going down from a hard fall late in the third, the Ateneo standout returned with authority, delivering a sequence that broke the game open. Three straight baskets — capped by a tough mid-range jumper — pushed Gilas to a 62-49 lead midway through the fourth, shifting the pressure entirely onto Colombia.

     

    Dela Rosa continued to dictate the tempo, extending the lead to 64-51 before Sugapong calmly knocked down three consecutive free throws to widen the gap to 67-52. From there, the finish was inevitable.

     

    Louna Ozar and Dela Rosa applied the final touches in the last 1:28, sealing a result that not only marked a historic first win but also kept Colombia winless at 0-5 in the tournament.

     

    Sugapong delivered a standout all-around performance with 21 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two steals, providing the perfect complement to Dela Rosa’s late-game explosion. Bernardino added stability with eight points, while Stefanie Berberabe chipped in six as Gilas showcased a balanced effort.

     

    More than just a single win, the result signaled something bigger — proof that Gilas Pilipinas Women can compete, adjust, and finish against higher-ranked opposition.

     

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  • FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Gilas Pilipinas Women vs. Colombia — Game Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Gilas Pilipinas Women vs. Colombia — Game Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    Gilas Pilipinas Women will seek redemption against Colombia after South Korea ended their World Cup bid, entering their final game of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament still searching for a breakthrough win. With their hopes of advancing officially out of reach, the Filipinas now turn their attention to finishing their campaign on a high note.


    Gilas heads into Tuesday’s matchup with a 0-4 record, highlighted by a difficult 105-74 loss to South Korea that sealed their elimination. Despite the result, the game showcased a bright spot in Kacey Dela Rosa, who delivered an impressive 26-point performance on 10-of-13 shooting, along with nine rebounds and three blocks. Her effort underscored the team’s potential even amid a challenging tournament run.


    “I’ll take the lessons that I learned and apply them for my next games and tournaments,” Dela Rosa said.


    She has not carried the load alone, as veteran guard Janine Pontejos has provided consistent scoring with 12 points per game, while Sumayah Sugapong has contributed 11.3 points per outing. However, team consistency—particularly on defense—has been a recurring issue, with opponents capitalizing on lapses.


    South Korea’s outside shooting proved decisive in their previous game, as Leeseul Kang erupted for 24 points, knocking down eight of her team’s 19 three-pointers in a dominant offensive display.

    Colombia enters the contest in a similar position, also holding a 0-4 record. With both teams eager to avoid a winless exit, the matchup presents a final opportunity for either side to salvage pride. Colombia will lean on Jenifer Muñoz, their leading scorer averaging eight points per game, to guide their offense.


    Match: Gilas Pilipinas Women vs. Colombia
    Event: 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament
    Date & Time: Tuesday, 9:00 p.m. (PHT)
    Venue: Astroballe, Lyon, France


    Head-to-Head Context


    Both teams enter the game without a win in the tournament, making this a crucial battle to avoid finishing at the bottom of the standings. While there is limited recent head-to-head history between the two sides, their identical records set the stage for a tightly contested matchup.


    Key Matchups & Storylines


    Dela Rosa’s Continued Rise: After a breakout performance against South Korea, Dela Rosa will look to anchor Gilas on both ends of the floor.


    Backcourt Leadership: Pontejos and Sugapong must provide stability and scoring to support the offense.


    Defensive Adjustments: Limiting perimeter shooting and tightening rotations will be key after struggles in previous games.


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    Predictions & Betting Odds


    Most sportsbooks and prediction models slightly favor Colombia heading into the matchup:


    Moneyline Odds:


    Colombia has 1.72 as their odds while the Philippines stays at 2.05 (OKBET) indicating a narrow edge for the South American side based on recent form and scoring trends.


    Probability Estimates: 


    Several prediction platforms give Colombia roughly 53% to 57% chance to win, while the Philippines sits at around 43% to 48%, reflecting how closely matched the two winless teams are.

    Given both teams’ 0-4 records and struggles throughout the tournament, this matchup is expected to be tightly contested. 


    Colombia holds a slight statistical advantage, but Gilas Pilipinas Women could tilt the balance if Kacey Dela Rosa continues her strong form and the team improves defensively.


    Predictions & Outlook


    With both teams winless, the game is expected to be closely contested. Gilas Pilipinas Women may hold a slight edge if Dela Rosa maintains her form and the team improves its defensive execution.


    While the stakes no longer include World Cup qualification, the importance of the match remains significant. A victory would provide a morale boost and a positive ending to an otherwise tough campaign.


    What’s at Stake


    For Gilas Pilipinas Women, this final game represents more than just a result—it is a chance to demonstrate growth, resilience, and competitiveness on the international stage. Ending the tournament with a win would offer a valuable confidence boost as the team looks ahead to future competitions.


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  • Gilas Women fall to Germany, remain winless in World Cup qualifiers

    Gilas Women fall to Germany, remain winless in World Cup qualifiers

    The Philippines women’s national basketball team suffered its second straight setback in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament after falling to Germany women’s national basketball team, 113-80, in Group A action.

     

    Germany took control early and maintained its offensive rhythm throughout the contest, putting the Filipinas on the defensive for most of the game. The European squad steadily built separation behind its balanced attack, eventually pulling away to secure the convincing victory.

     

    Despite the loss, several Gilas players turned in notable performances on offense. Sumayah Sugapong led the Philippines with 21 points, continuing to provide scoring for the national team.

     

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    Gilas women mainstay Afril Bernardino added 13 points, while playmaker Janine Pontejos contributed 11 markers to round out the double-digit scorers for Gilas.

     

    The defeat dropped the Philippines to a 0-2 record in Group A as the team continues its bid to compete against some of the world’s strongest basketball programs.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas Women will now turn their focus to their next assignment against Nigeria women’s national basketball team on Saturday at 9 p.m. Philippine time, hoping to bounce back and keep their qualifying hopes alive.

     

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  • Gilas Women overwhelmed by France, shift focus to Germany in World Cup qualifiers

    Gilas Women overwhelmed by France, shift focus to Germany in World Cup qualifiers

    The Philippines women’s national basketball team encountered a harsh welcome on the world stage after falling to powerhouse France women’s national basketball team, 115-66, to open their campaign in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne on Wednesday night (early Thursday morning in Manila).

     

    Facing the reigning 2024 Summer Olympics silver medalists, the Filipinas struggled to keep pace early as France imposed its size, speed and firepower from the opening quarter.

     

    The host nation quickly created separation and never looked back, building a commanding lead that reached as many as 51 points. France set the tone right away with a dominant first period that left the Philippines trailing, 24-9.

     

    One of the highlights of the night came from Dominique Malonga, who showcased her athleticism with a dunk against Gilas on her way to finishing with 21 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

     

    Malonga, who suits up for the Seattle Storm in the Women’s National Basketball Association, spearheaded the balanced French attack as the team began its push to return to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after placing seventh in the 2022 tournament.

     

    Despite the lopsided result, Gilas Women continued to battle through the final buzzer.

     

    Sumayah Sugapong paced the Philippines with 13 points, while veteran Afril Bernardino added 12 points and a team-high six rebounds in an effort to keep the Filipinas competitive.

     

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    The focus now quickly shifts to their next assignment against Germany women’s national basketball team, which opened its campaign with a convincing 76-49 victory over South Korea women’s national basketball team.

     

    Germany has already secured its place in the 2026 World Cup as tournament host but opted to compete in the qualifiers nonetheless, adding another formidable opponent for Gilas.

     

    The Philippines is battling in a tough group that also includes Nigeria women’s national basketball team and Colombia women’s national basketball team, with only two slots available for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup set to be held in Germany.

     

    Nigeria already holds a berth in the global tournament after ruling the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.

     

    For Gilas Women, simply reaching the qualifying stage already marked a milestone. 

     

    The team secured its historic entry after finishing sixth in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, earning the Philippines its first-ever appearance in the World Cup qualifiers.

     

    Now facing some of the world’s elite teams, the Filipinas aim to use the experience as they continue their pursuit of a breakthrough on the international stage.

     

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  • Veteran core powers Gilas Women roster for FIBA World Cup qualifiers 

    Veteran core powers Gilas Women roster for FIBA World Cup qualifiers 

    Experience will be at the heart of the Philippines women’s national basketball team campaign as it heads into the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne, France.

     

    With the challenge of facing some of the world’s top teams ahead, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas leaned on a veteran-heavy lineup, highlighting players who have already built chemistry through years of international competition.

     

    Among those expected to anchor the squad are longtime national team standouts Louna Ozar and Angel Surada, two key figures who have grown into dependable presences in the Gilas rotation. Their experience in high-pressure regional tournaments is seen as crucial as the Filipinas step onto a bigger global stage.

     

    Both players were part of the Philippines’ triumphant run in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where Gilas Women reclaimed the gold medal and reaffirmed their dominance in Southeast Asia. That championship core largely remains intact, with nine members of that squad returning for the upcoming qualifiers.

     

    Veteran leadership will also come from players such as Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos and Trina Guytingco, all of whom bring valuable international exposure and stability to the roster.

     

    The team’s blend of experience and youth is further complemented by emerging talents including Kacey Dela Rosa, Sophia Dignadice, Sarah Heyn and Ann Pingol, who are expected to provide energy and versatility.

     

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    One of the most intriguing inclusions is Stefanie Berberabe. Previously classified as a naturalized player under the SEA Games eligibility rules, Berberabe was unable to suit up during the Philippines’ title run in Thailand. Her presence now gives Gilas an additional scoring and playmaking option heading into the qualifiers.

     

    Completing the lineup are Kent Pastrana, the Most Valuable Player of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Finals, and fellow rising prospect Sumayah Sugapong.

     

    Gilas Women begin their campaign against host squad France women’s national basketball team, the first of several daunting matchups against elite opponents.

     

    For Ozar, Surada and the rest of the veteran core, the upcoming tournament represents another opportunity to lead the Philippines beyond regional success and closer to the sport’s biggest stage.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas Women head to France for FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 

    Gilas Pilipinas Women head to France for FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 

    Gilas Pilipinas Women have begun their journey toward a potential return to the global stage, departing for Lyon, France on Sunday night to compete in the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament.

     

    The Philippine squad left Manila carrying a mix of experience and youth as they prepare for a demanding schedule against some of the world’s top-ranked teams.

     

    Among those who made the trip were Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Kacey dela Rosa, Kent Pastrana, Ann Pingol, Trina Guytingco, Angel Surada, Stefanie Berberabe, and Louna Ozar. Leading the delegation is Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy along with head coach Patrick Aquino.

     

    The trip also serves as a reunion for several members of the national pool who recently shared success on the regional stage. Bernardino, Pontejos, Surada, Ozar, Dignadice, Pingol, Guytingco, Dela Rosa, and Heyn were part of the Philippine squad that captured the gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, giving the team a strong sense of continuity heading into the qualifiers.

     

     

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    In Lyon, however, Gilas Women will face a far tougher challenge.

     

    The Philippines opens its campaign against world No. 3 France on Thursday at 3:30 a.m. Manila time before facing No. 12 Germany on Friday at 12 a.m. The team then continues its schedule against No. 8 Nigeria on Saturday at 9 p.m., No. 15 South Korea on Sunday at 7:30 p.m., and No. 19 Colombia on Tuesday at 9 p.m.

     

    Currently ranked No. 39 in the world, the Filipinas enter the tournament as underdogs but remain determined to test themselves against higher-ranked competition.

     

    The road to qualification will not be easy, with only two teams from Tournament D advancing to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup set for September 4 to 13 in Berlin.

     

    Germany has already secured its place as the host nation, while Nigeria booked its spot by winning the 2025 Afrobasket, leaving the remaining teams battling for the final berths in the global showcase. 

     

     

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