The Puerto Rico women’s basketball team showed significant growth and competitiveness in the 2026 Berlin World Cup, according to figures involved in the sport. The team, led by coach Jerry Batista, advanced to the second round, matching its result from the 2022 Sydney World Cup. Former player Dayshalee Salamán and coaches Tony Ruiz and Jean García attributed the team’s success to its well-structured organization, which has been built over years.
The team’s performance was notable, with close games against top-ranked teams like China, Australia, and Belgium, and a win against Turkey. Puerto Rico ultimately finished 11th out of 16 participating countries. The team’s preparation, including two high-level friendlies in Spain and participation in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, also contributed to its strong showing.