Argentina's women's basketball team won the 2026 FIBA South American Championship by beating Venezuela 53-44 at Espacio DAM in Zárate. Las Gigantes retained their 2024 title, completed an unbeaten tournament and reached the fourth continental crown in their history.
Venezuela started better and won the first quarter 17-13, but Argentina turned the game around before half-time. The home team moved ahead late in the second period, protected the lead throughout the second half and produced the contest's biggest run at 12-0.
Melisa Gretter led the final with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists in 36 minutes. The captain was the game's top scorer and received the tournament's most valuable player award for her influence throughout the campaign.
Diana Cabrera contributed ten points and nine rebounds while recording the highest individual efficiency rating of the decider. Florencia Chagas added eight points and joined Gretter in the all-tournament five; Julieta Mungo and Agostina Burani scored seven each.
Argentina's path was perfect. They beat Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay in the group stage before defeating Brazil 72-66 in the semi-final. Victory over Venezuela completed a five-game unbeaten sequence against different challenges from across the region.
The 2026 championship joins the titles won in 1948, 2018 and 2024. A second consecutive South American crown confirms a generation capable of sustaining results while integrating new players and strengthening a collective identity for future international commitments.
