Turkey’s senior national basketball teams faced a demanding international window as the women’s national team opened its FIBA 2026 World Cup campaign in Berlin on September 4 with a 75-89 defeat against Belgium, while the men’s national team prepared for 2027 World Cup European Qualifiers under head coach Ergin Ataman.
Potanın Perileri Open FIBA 2026 World Cup Campaign in Berlin
The senior women’s national basketball team, known as Potanın Perileri, started their FIBA 2026 Women’s World Cup Group C matches on September 4 with a hard-fought encounter against Belgium at Berlin’s Max-Schmeling-Halle. Head coach Andrea Mazzon deployed a 12-player roster featuring Ayşe Cora Yamaner, Beren Burke, Derin Erdoğan, Elif Bayram, Elif İstanbulluoğlu, Esra Ural, Gökşen Fitik, Melek Uzunoğlu, Olcay Çakır Turgut, Sevgi Uzun, Sinem Ataş, and Tilbe Şenyürek Arslan.
The opening quarter delivered a closely contested battle characterized by strong perimeter shooting. Both teams converted four three-point field goals apiece, and the lead changed hands multiple times before Belgium edged ahead to close the first period 26-24 ahead. The competitive balance persisted through the second quarter as Turkey capitalized on opponent errors late in the half. Trailing briefly, the team manufactured a four-point advantage before a late free throw left Turkey holding a narrow 45-44 halftime lead.
Belgium Pulls Away in Second Half to Seal 89-75 Victory
Offensive rhythm proved difficult to establish for either side during the early minutes of the third quarter. However, Belgium seized control by capitalizing on points inside the paint and punishing defensive lapses from the Turkish squad. Extending the margin into double digits by the 16th minute at 55-45, Belgium relied on consecutive baskets from Meesseman to break the game open. That surge created a commanding 71-54 cushion heading into the final period.
Throughout the fourth quarter, Belgium maintained its defensive intensity and scoring efficiency, preventing any significant comeback. The final whistle confirmed a 75-89 scoreline, leaving Turkey with an opening defeat in Group C. Television and digital audiences across Turkey followed the action through live, free-to-air broadcasts on TRT Spor, alongside digital streaming options via TRT İzle and S Sport Plus.
Tournament Format and Group Schedule Ahead for Turkey
The 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin gathers 16 national teams split into four groups. Group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the second- and third-place finishers enter an intermediate playoff round. Group stage matches run from September 4 through September 7, followed by qualification games on September 8 and 9, quarterfinals on September 10, semifinals on September 12, and the medal matches on September 13.
Despite the opening setback against Belgium, the tournament schedule leaves ample opportunity for recovery.
- September 6 (12:30): Türkiye vs. Australia at Berlin Arena
- September 7 (12:30): Puerto Rico vs. Türkiye at Max-Schmeling-Halle
Men’s National Team Prepares for 2027 World Cup European Qualifiers
While the women’s team battles in Berlin, the senior men’s national basketball team—the 12 Dev Adam—has maintained an active schedule under head coach Ergin Ataman in the FIBA 2027 Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers. Having completed a first round with six wins to finish as group leaders, the men’s squad entered the second round in Group J.
The men’s team opened its second-round campaign on August 28 by hosting Lithuania at the Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi in Istanbul, a match broadcast on TRT 1. Following that fixture, the squad traveled to Reykjavik to face Iceland on August 31 at the Laugardalshöll Sports Center, continuing a rivalry that spans eight official encounters.
What Lies Ahead for Turkish Basketball Programs
Both senior programs carry high expectations into their respective international cycles. For the women’s team, securing a top-three finish in Group C remains the immediate priority to stay in contention for the knockout rounds in Germany. Navigating the remaining fixtures against Australia and Puerto Rico will test the depth of Andrea Mazzon’s roster.
Meanwhile, the men’s team looks to maintain momentum in Group J of the 2027 qualifiers, where strong FIBA power rankings validate their early-stage dominance. How both squads adjust to elite European competition will shape Turkey’s standing on the global basketball stage as the autumn tournament calendar unfolds.
