Basketball
Who was each nation's MVP at the Women's World Cup?
BERLIN (Germany) - There were some outstanding individual displays at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and it's time to shine a light on who did it best for their respective teams.
N/AWe've picked out the stars that did the most to take care of business at the showpiece in the German capital.
You have the chance to let us know who is your 'MVP of MVP's' by casting your vote in the fan poll below, but first - here are the 16 candidates!
Amy Okonkwo - Nigeria
N/AStats: 14.0 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 2.7 APG / 16.0 EFF
It was a big disappointment for Nigeria in their status as reigning FIBA Women's AfroBasket champions and also after making the Quarter-Finals at Paris 2024 that they went home early without a win to their name. Okonkwo was the bright spot, posting some typically eye-catching displays and showing why she's balling in the WNBA.
Sevgi Uzun - Türkiye
N/AStats: 17.7 PPG / 8.3 APG / 4.0 APG / 20.0 EFF
This was an amazing individual display by Uzun, who despite her team finishing bottom of their group and without a victory, was sensational throughout. In addition to her renowned leadership, she topped the tournament assists chart with spectacular 8.3 assists per game. Also scoring a brilliant 17.7 points per outing for good measure.
Eliska Joklova - Czechia
N/AStats: 14.7 PPG / 6.0 RPG / 2.7 APG / 1.7 SPG / 15.7 EFF
Injury-hit Czechia almost advanced beyond the group phase and beyond expectations, but lost a nail-biter against China. While departing early and without a victory, Joklova still showed her WNBA and EuroLeague Women quality suiting up in her national team vest. Leading in scoring and efficiency with solid all-around performances.
Sika Kone - Mali
N/AStats: 16.0 PPG / 60.6 FG% / 10.3 RPG / 2.3 APG / 20.7 EFF
It was a stellar tournament for Kone, who enhanced her reputation with a majestic tournament double-double of 16.0 points and 10.3 boards per game. She starred in Mali's epic and shock win against Spain, which showed they deserve to be at the top table. With a little more luck they might have beaten Japan and made the Final Phase.
Cecilia Zandalasini - Italy
N/AStats: 13.5 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 2.5 APG / 9.8 EFF
While the efficiency of Zandalasini is not impressive, she did everything imaginable to lead her team and show the heart that defines Italy. The leading scorer, she received so much defensive attention on the way to almost delivering a famous surprise against USA and almost taking a sensational 26-point comeback against the Opals.
Kokoro Tanaka - Japan
N/AStats: 14.8 PPG / 2.5 RPG / 2.5 APG / 10.8 EFF
One of the rising stars to watch heading into the competition, Tanaka showed the future is bright for the 2030 World Cup host nation. The 20 year old didn't shoot from downtown as she probably would have liked and yet still came out as her nation's MVP. This was a great first global experience for the guard who is becoming a big star.
Jihyun Park - Korea
N/AStats: 14.3 PPG / 3.5 RPG / 3.5 APG / 2.3 SPG / 13.8 EFF
The evolution of Park has been noticeable and she really stepped up for her team in the competition. While they only managed one victory, they impressed in other ways with the way they played. Much of that was underpinned by the contributions of the guard. Top in efficiency, points and steals, she did it all on the court for her country.
Trinity San Antonio - Puerto Rico
N/AStats: 15.5 PPG / 5.0 SPG / 4.8 APG / 3.8 RPG / 22.5 EFF
After impressing on the global stage at Paris 2024, San Antonio engaged defensive beast mode and took her game to new levels for Puerto Rico. She had a sensational tournament leading 5.0 steals pr game, poured in more than 15 points per outing, handed out almost 5.0 assists and had the best game efficiency of the tournament at 35.
Dorka Juhasz - Hungary
N/AStats: 12.6 PPG / 10.4 RPG / 2.2 APG / 15.8 EFF
A towering presence for Hungary at all times, their leader took them to a first win in 28 years and this turned into a super three wins in a row. Juhasz finished her Women's World Cup debut with a tournament double-double. Earned from an excellent 12.6 points and 10.4 boards per outing, she also had to cope with massive defensive attention.
Xu Han - China
N/AStats: 18.8 PPG / 10.8 RPG / 2.0 APG / 21.8 EFF
Cementing her status as one of the most popular figures in women's global hoops, the affectionately nicknamed 'Hanny' did an amazing job for China as usual. Without her usual frontcourt partner Yueru Li who was unavailable, she carried the extra load brilliantly. Her double-double of 18.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game was superb.
Steph Talbot - Australia
N/AStats: 13.8 PPG / 8.6 RPG / 4.4 APG / 21.0 EFF
With so much know-how of what it takes at the elite level, Talbot arguably posted her best ever individual tournament for the Opals. Turning up the dial with so many of her teammates on the main rotation sustaining injuries, the guard was outstanding and did it all, averaging 13. points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
Emma Meesseman - Belgium
N/AStats: 21.0 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 4.8 APG / 25.0 EFF
It was a disappointing exit at the Quarter-Finals for the Cats, but even in the loss to Germany, Meesseman put on a masterclass. The forward posted her usual eye-popping performance efficiency valuation for the tournament and had Belgium reached the Semis, would have been a lock for the All-Star Five. A class act throughout as expected.
Leonie Fiebich - Germany
N/AStats: 9.9 PPG / 8.6 RPG / 3.6 APG / 14.6 EFF
It was an amazing and historic run for the host nation as they made the Quarter-Finals and then the Semi-Finals for the first time. Roared on by amazing home support, they recovered from an opening day nightmare, as Fiebich stepped up. She played more than 30 minutes per game, led Germany in efficiency and made the All-Star Five.
Iyana Martin - Spain
N/AStats: 17.5 PPG / 4.2 APG / 3.3 RPG / 2.2 SPG / 19.2 EFF
One of the most impressive tournament debuts by any player, let alone a 20 year old, Martin was sensational. She was not only named Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Rising Star, bit deservedly made the All-Star Five. Her exceptional displays took Spain to bronze. The guard led her team in efficiency, points, assists and steals.
Gabby Williams - France
N/AStats: 18.7 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 4.0 APG / 2.8 SPG / 22.8 EFF
On course to be named MVP if France took the last step and beat USA in the Final, it wasn't to be. But Williams was still a tour de force for her country. She put in some epic displays on both ends of the floor and stepped away having taken her team to a first ever Final. She was named to the All-Star Five and named Best Defensive Player.
Breanna Stewart - USA
N/AStats: 12.8 PPG / 7.3 RPG / 2.8 APG / 18.8 EFF
It was a sensational final weekend of the competition for the now four-time FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup winner. Making history as the first ever two-time TISSOT MVP, Stewart put USA on her back in the Semi-Finals and then in the title game with a fantastic double-double. Her play, leadership and production was phenomenal.
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