Spain reveals its 12 players for the 2026 World Cup
Spain is now settled. Miguel Méndez, the head coach, has revealed the 12 players who will represent the Spanish team at the World Cup in Berlin, from September 4 to 13. La Roja will thus return to the world competition eight years after its last participation.
Alba Torrens, the only player already present at a World Cup
The Spanish head coach kept a significant part of the group that finished as European runner-up in 2025, after eliminating France in the semifinals. Eight players from that team are part of the final squad. Captain of La Roja, Alba Torrens (6’4″, 37 years old) will be the only player in the group to have already taken part in a World Cup. The forward has three World Cup appearances and… three medals (bronze in 2010, silver in 2014, then bronze in 2018). For the other eleven players, this 2026 edition will be a first experience at this level.
Alba Torrens’ stats on BeBasket
Seven players leave La Roja after the August window
This selection thus marks the beginning of a new stage for Spain, which remains experienced, as reflected by its coach but also naturalized American Megan Dileo (6’3″, 29 years old), wife of former Le Portel and Le Mans player David DiLeo, Maria Conde or Mariona Ortiz. Young Awa Fam brings strong presence in the paint. On the other hand, Andrea Vilaró, Irati Etxarri, María Araújo, Aina Ayuso, Lola Pendande, Nerea Hermosa and Marta García were among the last players cut by the Spanish head coach.
The Spanish squad for the 2026 World Cup: Elena Buenavida, Raquel Carrera, Maite Cazorla, Maria Conde, Awa Fam, Alicia Flórez, Paula Ginzo, Megan DiLeo, Iyana Martín, Mariona Ortiz, Helena Pueyo and Alba Torrens.
The group stage
Spain was able to carry out a more complete preparation phase than the French team. It played five preparation games, all won: against Germany, Nigeria, Belgium, Mali and China before heading to Berlin. They will start the World Cup on Friday, September 4 against Germany, the host country of the competition. The Spanish team will then face Mali the following day. Finally, it will be Japan on Monday, September 7 to conclude the group stage.
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With its group now finalized, Spain can fully turn its attention to this World Cup. After its silver medal at EuroBasket 2025 – following a twist of fate against Belgium – Miguel Méndez’s team will be looking to reclaim a spot on the world podium.
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