ISTANBUL (Mar. 15, 2026) — Canada dropped a narrow 66–62 decision to Japan on Sunday at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center in Istanbul.

With the loss, Canada moves to 2–2 in tournament play, while Japan improves to 2–2.

Canada built the largest advantage of the night with a nine-point lead in the opening quarter and controlled stretches of the first half. Japan, however, found momentum late in the second quarter and executed in the closing minutes to secure the win.

Aaliyah Edwards led Canada with her second double-double of the tournament, recording 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting along with a game-high 15 rebounds.

“I think the initial reaction is just disappointing,” said Edwards. “We had a goal coming into this game to finish the job and seal our ticket. That wasn’t the result, but we had a lot of great possessions and a lot of people step-up. 

“There were definitely some positives, but the initial reaction is disappointment.”

Canada surged ahead late in the second quarter with a 9–0 run, turning a five-point deficit into a 39–35 lead. Edwards scored six points during the stretch while Kia Nurse added a three-pointer.

Japan responded just before halftime when Mai Yamamoto knocked down two free throws to tie the game at 39–39. The momentum carried into the third quarter as Kokoro Tanaka and Ramu Tokashiki scored on consecutive possessions to give Japan the lead.

Yamamoto paced Japan with 16 points, while Tanaka added 14 points and five assists.

Despite controlling the glass throughout the game, including collecting 26 offensive rebounds, Canada was unable to convert consistently on second-chance opportunities.

“I don't remember the last time I'd been with a team that had 26 offensive rebounds,” said Head Coach, Nell Fortner. “But we couldn't get the payoff from that as far as second chance points. But I’m really proud of Aaliyah. She answered the bell with what we asked her to do.”

The game remained within one possession down the stretch, but Japan delivered in the final minutes. Norika Konno scored all five of Japan’s points in the closing stretch, including a key three-pointer, as Japan outscored Canada 5–2 over the final four minutes.

Canada generated opportunities late but could not convert, missing four three-point attempts and two free throws in the closing moments.

“Our effort was good, but our defence has to be better, and when opportunities present themselves offensively we’ve got to take advantage of them,” Fortner added.

Canada will have a rest day Monday before returning to the court Tuesday against Australia in the final game of the tournament. A victory over Australia would secure Canada’s place at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026.

Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT, with the game airing live on TSN.