The Santa Cruz official will be the only Spanish referee among the 28 selected by FIBA for the tournament in Berlin
Tenerife will have a representative on the court at one of the biggest events in women’s basketball this year.
Ariadna Chueca, from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has been selected by FIBA as one of 28 referees who will officiate at the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
The tournament takes place from 4 to 13 September, with Chueca the only Spanish referee included in the selection.
At 35, and with eight seasons of international FIBA experience behind her, it’s another significant step in what has become an impressive refereeing career.
From Tenerife to the biggest stages
Chueca made her Liga Endesa debut during the 2025/26 season and has already gained plenty of experience on the international stage.
Her recent CV includes the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, the EuroCup Women, where she refereed the second game of the final, and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Not a bad list of places to have on the CV.
Her selection for Berlin now adds a World Cup to it.
FIBA selection based on recent performances
The 28 referees were selected following a monitoring and assessment process that began towards the end of 2025.
According to FIBA’s head of refereeing, Carl Jungebrand, the selection focused on the officials’ recent performances in continental and club competitions.
The group has an average age of 37 and more than a decade of refereeing experience on average.
Of the 28 officials selected, eight are women, while 11 will make their debut at a senior World Cup. Fourteen of the referees were also part of the officiating team at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Spanish and Tenerife representation in Berlin
Chueca’s selection means Tenerife and Spain will have representation among the officials at the tournament.
Spain will also be represented on court by the Spanish women’s national team, coached by Miguel Méndez.
The team will face Germany, Mali and Japan in the group stage.
Before heading to the World Cup in September, Chueca’s international schedule continues, including an appearance at the upcoming FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
From Santa Cruz to the Olympics, NBA Summer League and now a World Cup. Not bad going at all.