Istanbul, Turkey – The Hungarian women’s national basketball team took a monumental step towards qualifying for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup on Sunday, securing a thrilling 92-81 victory over Argentina in Istanbul. The win, achieved after a hard-fought overtime period, places Hungary in a strong position to return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998. Yet, their qualification isn’t yet sealed, hinging on the outcome of a match between Canada and Japan.
This victory marks a significant achievement for head coach Péter Völgyi and his team, demonstrating resilience and determination in a challenging tournament environment. The team overcame a double-digit deficit in the first half and battled through a fiercely contested fourth quarter to force the overtime period, ultimately showcasing their composure and skill under pressure. The win underscores Hungary’s growing presence in international women’s basketball and fuels hopes for a successful World Cup campaign should they qualify.
A Game of Two Halves and a Dramatic Finish
The match began with a tight exchange, with both teams trading baskets in the early stages. Argentina initially gained momentum, establishing an 11-point lead that tested Hungary’s resolve. However, the Hungarian side responded admirably, chipping away at the deficit and leveling the score at 13-13. By halftime, Argentina held a narrow 37-36 advantage, setting the stage for a captivating second half.
The third and fourth quarters were characterized by intense back-and-forth action, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead. Réka Lelik emerged as a key offensive force for Hungary, consistently driving to the basket and converting crucial shots. With the clock winding down in the fourth quarter, the score remained incredibly close. Argentina took a late lead with 21 seconds remaining, but a clutch basket from Virág Takács-Kiss tied the game at 77-77, forcing the overtime period. The initial stages of the game saw a 3-3 tie, before Argentina surged ahead.
Overtime Decides a Thrilling Contest
In the five-minute overtime period, Hungary demonstrated its superior conditioning and tactical execution. Dombai Réka, Juhász and Lelik all contributed key baskets, extending Hungary’s lead and ultimately securing the 92-81 victory. The team’s ability to maintain composure and execute their game plan in the face of intense pressure proved decisive. According to official game statistics, Réka Lelik led all scorers with 24 points, although Dombai Réka added 19 and Juhász contributed 17. Florencia Gretter led Argentina with 24 points, followed by Chagas with 19.
Qualification Hopes Rest on Canada-Japan Outcome
Despite the impressive win, Hungary’s qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is not yet guaranteed. Their fate now rests on the result of the match between Canada and Japan. According to reports from Index.hu, if Canada defeats Japan, Hungary will secure their spot in the tournament, marking their return to the World Cup after a 24-year absence. However, a victory for Japan would complicate matters, potentially requiring Hungary to win their final game against Turkey to guarantee qualification.
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is scheduled to accept place from September 4th to 13th in Berlin, Germany. The tournament will feature 12 teams, with the top teams from each of the qualifying tournaments earning a place in the competition. Australia has already secured a spot as the reigning continental champion. The Istanbul qualifying tournament will see three additional teams join Australia in Berlin.
Völgyi Praises Team’s Resilience, Lelik Highlights Key Moments
Following the victory, head coach Péter Völgyi praised his team’s resilience and determination. Speaking to M4 Sport, Völgyi stated, “The girls showed great character and remained calm when it mattered, even though we missed a lot of free throws. We have one more game, but today we took a big step forward. It might be enough, but we’re approaching it as if it won’t be.”
Réka Lelik, who was instrumental in Hungary’s victory with her 24-point performance, expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishment. “I’m especially happy with my free throws, as they’ve been a struggle lately,” Lelik said. “I’m proud of the girls, it was a real team effort. We broke our curse and finally won a close game. It was a physical game with a lot of contact, but we were calmer at the end. We have one more game, and we want to win that too.”
Virág Takács-Kiss too emphasized the team’s collective effort, stating, “Everyone showed how much heart they have. I’m sorry I couldn’t make the game-winning free throw, but it was still a great victory. Hopefully, Canada will return the favor and beat Japan, as we did against them in the Olympic qualifying tournament.”
Next Steps: A Crucial Match Against Turkey
Hungary will conclude their participation in the Istanbul qualifying tournament with a match against the host nation, Turkey, on Tuesday at 18:30 local time. This game represents a crucial opportunity for Hungary to secure their place in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. A victory against Turkey would guarantee qualification, regardless of the outcome of the Canada-Japan match. The team will necessitate to maintain their momentum and continue to execute their game plan effectively to overcome a potentially challenging opponent in front of a home crowd.
The Hungarian women’s basketball team’s journey to the World Cup has been marked by determination, resilience, and a strong team spirit. Their recent victory over Argentina is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they are now within touching distance of achieving their ultimate goal. The upcoming match against Turkey will be a defining moment for the team, and fans across Hungary will be eagerly watching and supporting their national team.
Hungary-Argentina 92-81 (13-16, 23-21, 18-20, 23-20, 15-4) – after overtime
Point scorers: Lelik 24, Dombai 19, Juhász 17, Takács-Kiss 9, Dubei 9, Aho 9, Varga 3, Török 2, and Gretter 24, Chagas 19, Gauna 8, Cabrera 7, Burani 6, Siciliano 5, Gentinetta 5, Mungo 4, Raviolo 3
The stakes are high as Hungary aims to return to the global stage of women’s basketball. The team’s performance in Istanbul has demonstrated their potential, and they are now poised to make a significant impact on the international scene. The outcome of their final match against Turkey will determine whether they can fulfill their World Cup dreams and represent Hungary with pride on the world stage.
Stay tuned for updates on the Hungary-Turkey match and the latest developments in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!