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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Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach Patrick Aquino shared the team’s plans for the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, expressing optimism about their chances and saying he is honored to represent the Philippines once again on a bigger stage. | via Luisa Morales/One Sports pic.twitter.com/U5R6ntzgAa

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 17, 2026

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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