Spanish forward Maria Conde debuts at the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin today, just eight days after finishing her WNBA season in Seattle.
The Spanish national team opens the tournament against host nation Germany following an undefeated preparation tour. Spain won all five of its warm-up games under a campaign banner titled We dream again.
Conde, who was born in Madrid on January 14, 1997, completed her 33rd match of the WNBA season for the Toronto Tempo in Seattle just over a week before arriving in Germany for the international championship.
Spain enters the tournament following a silver medal finish at the previous EuroBasket championship, where the team lost 58 to 64 in the final against Belgium.
Transition from the WNBA to the national team
Arriving only a week before the start of the tournament presented a tight timeline for the squad. Conde stated that arriving so late was an unusual situation, but noted that several players have spent many years working under head coach Miguel Mendez and within the national team setup.
She explained that while the late arrival remains a handicap, it is a challenge shared by almost all national teams because most squads feature players competing in the United States. Conde emphasized that Spain builds upon a very solid foundation established by Mendez and the core group of players.
Conde added that players must adapt as quickly as possible and contribute to the team effort, noting that those who adjust fastest will gain a significant advantage. Regarding her physical condition, she said she feels good after taking initial precautions with the medical staff following a long flight and a heavy workload of matches.
Injury recovery and domestic success in Italy
Conde suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury in January 2025 in Zaragoza. She returned to action for the national team on Sunday in that same arena, describing her comeback as a meaningful moment after previously reflecting on her recovery during the EuroLeague Final Six tournament.
To manage her demanding schedule between Europe, North America, and international duties, Conde highlighted the importance of taking short breaks away from basketball. After finishing her season in Italy, she spent three essential days resting at home in Madrid to recharge before heading to the United States.
Conde has played outside Spain for ten years and currently competes for Italian club Schio, where she won both the domestic League and Cup double. She expressed great satisfaction with the family-oriented club, praising how management supported her specific recovery timeline and needs after her injury. She confirmed she will remain with Schio for the upcoming season while continuing to learn Italian and engage with local culture.
She also spoke about the intense domestic derbies against rival club Reyer Venezia, describing the matches as entertaining contests between two historic Italian teams with passionate supporter bases.
Prioritising international basketball over North America
Although Conde was selected in the 2018 WNBA draft, she waited eight years until 2026 to make her debut in the American league. She explained that playing in the WNBA had never been her primary dream, as her main ambition was always to represent the Spanish national team and compete in the EuroLeague.
In previous years, summer schedule overlaps led her to choose national team commitments, rest, or injury recovery over playing in the United States. She decided to join Toronto Tempo this summer after several factors aligned to make the move feasible.
Her earlier collegiate experience at Florida State University helped her master English and gain independence while travelling internationally. Conde studied psychology at Florida State and continues her studies with one year remaining, which she plans to complete over three to four years to help maintain focus outside of basketball.
Adapting to the speed of the American game
Conde remarked that entering the WNBA near the age of 30 rather than at 20 provided her with greater maturity and a personal cushion of experience and family support to handle professional challenges effectively.
Comparing styles of play, Conde observed that WNBA games run at a significantly faster pace, featuring rapid transitions between defense and offense, shorter possession times, and 20 to 30 additional shots per game compared to European basketball.
While describing the American game as dynamic and entertaining for fans, Conde noted her personal preference for European tactical play, half-court execution, and reading opponent strategies. She stated that competing in the WNBA allowed her to test herself against elite international and American players in a fast-growing league.
Podium ambitions and roster depth in Berlin
Spain enters the World Cup seeking a podium finish following their silver medal performance at the EuroBasket tournament.
The Spanish roster boasts five WNBA players alongside a talented group of younger players who are eager to contribute immediately. Conde stressed that the team must identify and correct mistakes quickly given the compressed nature of the World Cup format.
Looking ahead to potential opposition, Conde acknowledged that the United States national team remains the tournament favorite. However, she noted that having several Spanish players compete in the WNBA this season provides valuable familiarity with the American style of play, even as the United States brings the best players in the world to the competition.
The Spanish national basketball team was formally honored on August 31, 2026, during a farewell ceremony held at Endesa Headquarters in Madrid prior to their departure for Berlin.
