LOS ANGELES – Up-and-coming young talent Gabriela Jaquez will face the Mexican national team in the 2026 FIBA ​​Women’s Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament from August 19 to 25 in Mexico City, Mexico.

The seven-day tournament will be held at the Gimnasio Olímpico Juan de la Barrera, home of the volleyball competitions at the 1968 Summer Olympics, and is designed to determine the field of participants for the 2026 World Championship. A total of 16 nations will secure their tickets in the qualifying tournaments and participate in the 2026 FIBA ​​Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.

Jaquez is coming off a strong sophomore season, averaging 10 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game for the Bruins. She recorded her first career 30-point game against Bellarmine on Nov. 12 with 30 points and 12 rebounds. The Camarillo, California native posted three double-doubles during the 2023-24 season and set new single-game career highs in points, rebounds, assists, 3-pointers and free throws made.

I just wanted a Gabriela Jaquez Highlight out there. ??@UCLAWBB ?? @UCLASoftball pic.twitter.com/gZp7XZu5XG

— UCLA on BTN (@UCLAOnBTN) May 14, 2024

Each participating nation will play three group matches before the semifinals. The top two teams from each group will advance and hope to secure a spot in the final. The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2026 FIBA ​​Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments, which will take place in March 2026.

Jaquez and Team Mexico are in Group B alongside Montenegro, New Zealand and Mozambique. Group A consists of Korea, Mali, Czech Republic and Venezuela. See Mexico’s schedule for the pre-qualifying tournament below.

Schedule

Monday, August 19 – Mexico vs. Mozambique – 7:30 p.m. PT
Wednesday, August 21 – New Zealand vs. Mexico – 7:30 p.m. PT
Thursday, August 22 – Mexico vs. Montenegro – 7:30 p.m. PT
Saturday, August 24 – Semi-finals – time to be announced
Sunday, August 25 – Final – 4:00 p.m. PT