Ella Tofaeono in action for New Zealand – photo courtesy of FIBA.

THE New Zealand national women’s basketball team (Tall Ferns) have endured a disappointing result in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament, which was held in Mexico at the Gimnasio Olimpico Juan de la Berrera indoor arena over 22-24 August.

The Tall Ferns lost 88-64 to Montenegro, then lost 71-64 to Mexico to have their qualifying hopes extinguished, even before taking the court for their third and final game against Mozambique.

A subsequent 79-63 win over Mozambique did however restore Kiwi pride.

Former Penrith Basketball Association representative Ella Tofaeono made her debut appearance for the Tall Ferns at the tournament, playing limited minutes and averaging 9 minutes per game for 10 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.

Czechia defeated Mexico 82-72 and Korea defeated Montenegro 88-66 in the semi-finals. Czechia subsequently defeated Korea 73-67 to win the tournament and move on to the Qualifying stages.

The full list of teams competing in the Pre-Qualifying tournament were: Czechia, Korea, Mali, Mexico, Montenegro, Mozambique, New Zealand and Venezuela.

The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournaments were held from 19 to 25 August 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico and Kigali, Rwanda.

The winner of each tournament qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments.