Alanna Smith Selected for Australia's 2026 FIBA World Cup Roster

WHO:

Dallas Hoops Journal - Alanna Smith played all five games of Australia’s qualifying run in Türkiye in March.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Isobel Borlase is a member of Team Australia for the World Cup.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Chloe Bibby is also part of Team Australia for the World Cup.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Francesca Paza, Costanza Verona, and Lorela Cubaj contributed significantly to Italy's qualification.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Ezi Magbegor and Jade Melbourne were selected to represent the Australian Opals at the FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Alanna Smith is making her second World Cup appearance, having previously participated in 2018.

Dallas Hoops Journal - The Australian roster includes Zitina Aokuso, Isabelle Bourne, Alex Fowler, and Steph Reid.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Alanna Smith is a forward for the Dallas Wings and a member of Australia's 2026 FIBA World Cup roster.

SportsGrid - Stephanie Talbot is a forward for the Las Vegas Aces and also part of Team Australia for the World Cup.

SportsGrid - Sandy Brondello is the head coach of Team Australia and also coaches the Toronto Tempo.

WHAT:

Dallas Hoops Journal - Smith averaged 11.6 points and a team-high 8.0 rebounds during Australia’s qualifying run.

SportsGrid - Stephanie Talbot has participated in three Olympics and two World Cups since 2015.

SportsGrid - Talbot was named to the All-Star Five at the 2022 World Cup.

SportsGrid - Italy finished the qualifying tournament with a 4-1 record.

Seattle Storm - Ezi Magbegor is a two-time Olympian and a two-time FIBA World Cup medalist, earning silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022.

Seattle Storm - Jade Melbourne is having one of the best seasons of her career, averaging career highs in points (8.8), assists (3.8), rebounds (2.0), and steals (0.9) while shooting 45.9% from the field.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Smith averaged 11.6 points and a team-high 8.0 rebounds during Australia's qualifying run in Türkiye.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Smith was named to the All-Star Five at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Alanna Smith was named to the 12-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

Dallas Hoops Journal - The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is scheduled for Sept. 4-13 in Berlin.

SportsGrid - Australia won a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics.

SportsGrid - Talbot has averaged 3.5 points and three rebounds per game in her first season with the Aces.

WHERE:

SportsGrid - Italy qualified for the World Cup in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Dallas Hoops Journal - The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will be held in Berlin.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Smith played in Türkiye during Australia’s qualifying run.

WHEN:

FIBA Basketball - Italy's group phase games include matches against Czechia on Sept 4, USA on Sept 5, and China on Sept 7.

SportsGrid - The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is set to go from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin.

Dallas Hoops Journal - The WNBA will pause from Aug. 31 through Sept. 16 for the tournament.

Dallas Hoops Journal - The regular WNBA season ends on Sept. 24, and the playoffs begin on Sept. 27.

WHY:

SportsGrid - Talbot's international experience was a factor in her selection for the Aces.

HOW:

Dallas Hoops Journal - Smith was Dallas’ top free-agent target after winning co-Defensive Player of the Year honors alongside A’ja Wilson in 2025.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Smith's 2026 base salary with the Wings is $1.19 million.

Dallas Hoops Journal - Smith signed with the Wings on April 11 on a three-year deal worth $3.75 million, averaging $1.25 million per season.

Australia's basketball team is gearing up for the World Cup, with Alanna Smith, Isobel Borlase, and Chloe Bibby all making the roster, while Italy also secured their spot with a strong performance, finishing their qualifying tournament with a record of four wins and one loss. Smith had an impressive qualifying run, averaging eleven point six points and leading her team with eight rebounds per game, and her standout performance helped her become a top free-agent target for Dallas after winning co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025. Italy's group phase games are set to kick off with matches against Czechia on September 4, the USA on September 5, and China on September 7.