MUNICH (Germany) - The race to make it to the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 will soon be underway and it's time to reveal the first set of the Power Rankings for the Qualifiers.

With co-hosts Israel and Slovenia participating in the qualifying windows and guaranteed their place, there are another 36 nations fighting it out for the remaining 14 tickets on offer for the event.

Taking into account coaching and roster news, tradition and the all-important draw and groups, here's how they lineup in the race to punch a ticket to the big show.

#1 France

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 2nd
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 5th

It's a new era on the sidelines as Jean-Aime Toupane takes over from the long-serving Valerie Garnier. Will the new playcaller deliver a  first title since 2009?  The journey starts now! On the court, it's very much the same look and feel with an absolute wealth of talent and depth. A more entertaining and engaging playing style is on the wishlist, but not as much as ending their runners-up streak. They shouldn't slip up against Ukraine, Finland and Lithuania. 

#2 Spain 

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 7th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 2nd

UMMC playcaller Miguel Mendez succeeds Lucas Mondelo and he will be expected to continue the legacy from the past decade, when Spain was always pushing for medals. There's a great veteran core with Alba Torrens, Laura Gill and Silvia Dominguez and several rising stars like Raquel Carerra. The absence of star baller Astou Ndour for this window is a blow and the opening fixture in Hungary is a potential banana skin, so they will have to play well from the outset.

#3 Russia  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 6th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 12th

Russia could win this group if they can recapture their form from Strasbourg and Valencia this past summer when they finished 6th. Maria Vadeeva continues to be a colossus, Raisa Musina plays her best in a Russian jersey, Nina Glonti can be a momentum shifter, Zhosselina Maiga is in-form and young Viktoriia Zavialova is back to full health and playing minutes for UMMC to ease backcourt depth fears.  However, group rivals Montenegro could pose some challenges.

Emma Meesseman will be ready to lead Belgium as always

#4 Belgium  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 3rd
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 6th

There is lots to talk about for the 2021 bronze medalists. From their Tokyo 2020 Quarter-Finals heartache to Valery Demory replacing the hugely successful Philip Mestdagh and a tricky group which sees them pitched against Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is excitement at some of the rising stars included in the wider candidate list, but the absence of Kim Mestdagh is a blow. The responsibility will fall onto Emma Meesseman and Julie Allemand as usual.

#5 Slovenia  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 10th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 25th

The 2023 co-hosts installed Giorgios Dikeoulakos during recent weeks. A renowned defensive specialist, the new head coach will help after the team since they leaked far too many points at the 2021 edition. The mission is not about the Qualifiers as they have an automatic pass, it's all about preparation for 2023. And, if they get it right, they have a shot at the podium with talents like Teja Oblak, Eva Lisec, Zala Friskovec and Nika Baric to call upon. Although Lisec is now likely ruled out for a while after suffering an injury with Dynamo Kursk in a recent EuroLeague Women game. 

#6 Belarus  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 4th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 11th

It had looked like Belarus were about to go into decline when they missed out in 2019. Yet when they reached the 2021 edition, they made some serious noise on their return by making a brilliant run to the Semi-Finals and landing an opportunity to make the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. Led by Alex Bentley, Maryia Papova and the brilliant Anastasiya Verameyenka, Czech Republic and Netherlands look tricky, but the momentum is with Belarus and their sheer size and grinding style of play means they are always in control of the tempo and their defense is rock solid.

#7 Serbia  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 1st
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 9th

How are the reigning champions down in 7th place? Well, two leading performers in the legendary Sonja Vasic and Jelena Brooks won't be present after retiring! Meanwhile, Croatia could cause a big problem, but having said that, Serbia will be expecting to advance. Their first game against their derby rivals will be vital of course, but the likes of Nevena Jovanovic, Tina Krajisnik, Aleksandra Crvendakic and Yvonne Anderson should ensure they get the job done.

Rising star Matilde Villa is an exciting prospect for Italy who are looking to the future

#8 Italy  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 9th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 13th

After the underwhelming display in Valencia when Italy failed to meet expectations by missing out on the Quarter-Finals again, the Federation has kept faith with Lino Lardo. He will have been relieved at the draw because this group looks favorable as they should expect to beat Slovakia, Switzerland and Luxembourg. Cecilia Zandalasini will lead like always, while there are some exciting new faces like the highly-rated 2004 born guard Matilde Villa.

#9 Latvia  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 24th

A top 10 ranking for a nation that did not even qualify for the last edition? Absolutely. Mainly due to the fact that they can capitalize on being pitched into a group containing Israel and a Swedish team in transition who don't have the expertise of the legendary Eldebrink siblings or the skills of Amanda Zahui. Latvia only just missed out on 2021 and it was in agonizing fashion so they can use this as motivation. Playcaller Gundars Vetra can call upon a nice mix of experience and youth with Anete Steinberga, Elina Babkina and Kitija Laksa ready to lead the way.

#10 Great Britain  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 21st

Deja vu! When Great Britain reached the 2019 edition they qualified by beating Greece and Portugal - both in their qualifying group again. Maybe it's a sign of success to come? Temi Fagbenle and Cheridene Green have so much power and presence inside, veteran Azania Stewart has enjoyed a renaissance with London and her teammate Holly Winterburn could be one of the exciting additions. With Karlie Samuelson dangerous from downtown too, there are reasons to be optimistic.

#11 Montenegro  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 12th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 20th

It's going to be really tight, but Montenegro have a chance to maintain their run of making it to the flagship event every two years - if they can beat Russia on home soil and avoid upsets against Denmark and Austria. The benefit they have when it comes to Russia is that they have a frontcourt duo capable of counteracting their opponents via Markeisha Gatling and Milica Jovanovic. But are we being overconfident in Montenegro? Especially as they no longer have the amazing Jelena Dubljevic. Maybe.

#12 Turkey  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 14th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 10th

Tough. That is what it is like trying to second guess what is happening with Turkey internally and in terms of their selection and the availability of players. Their roster for this window will not include Isil Alben, Tilbe Senyurek or Ayse Cora. But they will at least have Pelin Bilgic and Kiah Stokes which gives them two key figures in the backcourt and frontcourt. They were poor at the 2021 edition as they were in 2019 too, but they continue to qualify. That could be the case again as they have fallen into a group when they should finish in the top two.

#13 Bosnia and Herzegovina  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 5th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 27th

We hear you, how can the team that made history with a 5th place finish at the previous edition and is looking to write another new chapter with a possible first-ever place at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, possibly be ranked as low as 13th? But to win the group or be one of the best runners-up, they are likely to need a 3-1 record to advance and this means they must beat Belgium. They're capable and because they are in the 16, we're backing them to claim a narrow win, as they did against Russia in the previous Qualifiers. At least with Jonquel Jones in the mix. 

#14 Slovakia  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 13th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 23rd

Slovakia punched their ticket for 2021 in dramatic style, coming out on top in a three-way tie during the Qualifiers. Despite being short-handed in Valencia they still managed to pick up a win and they could be on course to continue punching above their weight by making it to 2023. They will have to beat Italy at home and also take care of Luxembourg and Switzerland. They are capable of that, but only if they get their big-hitters on the floor like Barbara Balintova and Sabina Oroszova for example.

#15 Sweden  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 8th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 18th

This is a landmark campaign as they will turn the page in a big way - both on and off the court. They have introduced a co-coaching system with multiple head coaches pooling their thoughts and sharing the decision-making process. The one headache is a lack of experience without the massive veteran know-how of the retired Eldebrink sisters, plus the non-availability of Amanda Zahui. However, Regan Magarity is back and there are several young players who did well earlier this summer in Valencia. Perhaps they can squeeze one of the last tickets for this next major event.

#16 Israel  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 50th

As the 50th ranked nation in the world and having not appeared at the Final Round since the 2011 edition, Israel only capture 16th place in the rankings because they are co-hosting. In other words, they are guaranteed to stay here for future volumes, although when the flagship event is underway, they'll be hoping to pull off a surprise. Playing in the Qualifiers is great preparation for new head coach Sharon Drucker and there is plenty of work to do. At least the pressure comes at the back end of this journey and not immediately as is the case for some of his coaching peers with other nations.

#17 Greece  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 16th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 15th

You can basically swap places with Great Britain if you want to feel better, Greece fans. That duel is going to potentially go down to the wire - as it did during 2019 qualifying. There is every chance Greece could pip their rivals and be the ones that get the group winners spot. At least that will be the aim of new head coach Petros Prekas. With a frontcourt duo of Maria Fasoula and Artemis Spanou they have the strength to compete against their rivals and if the backcourt and wings find their range, they might just soar in the next power rankings. 

#18 Hungary  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 28th

Missing out on 2021 was a painful experience for Hungary as it was on basket difference, but things could get more painful in times ahead if they don't manage to beat Spain. That will probably be necessary to advance and they will get the opportunity to do so quickly in this first window which may be a blessing as Spain have just changed coach and are without Astou Ndour. Hungary has twin towers Bernadett Hatar and Cyesha Goree in good form, big experience and leadership in the likes of Kris Raksanyi, plus some nice young guns emerging so it is not impossible they could do it.

#19 Croatia  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 11th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 29th

A nation that blows so hot and also so cold on any given night, Stipe Bralic did an amazing job to book them an overdue return when they featured at the Women's EuroBasket in 2021. With Ivana Dojkic and Iva Slonjsak they have the ability to score freely, while Ana-Marija Begic and Ivana Tikvic will be essential in the paint. The issue for Croatia is that they will not only have to avoid any slips in both games with Bulgaria, but they will probably have to beat reigning champions Serbia in one of their matchups. Those two derby games with their neighbors could be special and will define if they can advance.

#20 Czech Republic  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: 15th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 22nd

The Czech team endured an underwhelming campaign earlier this summer when they finished next to bottom having failed to fire in Strasbourg. It makes you wonder if they have what it takes to come out on top against Belarus and Netherlands. Interestingly they could be anywhere from first to third. But they need to crank up the dial. Julia Reisingerova and especially the ever-improving Veronika Vorackova represent their best hope.

If Ukraine are to defy their ranking and punch a ticket, the amazing Alina Iagupova will be the one to make it happen

#21 Ukraine  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 26th

After missing out in 2021 when they didn't make it, Ukraine will be under serious pressure in this campaign to avoid missing out again as they must go up against France, Lithuania and Finland. That is such a tough assignment. Even with the phenomenal Alina Iagupova putting up eye-popping numbers, surely she can't do it all alone and they are destined to fall short?

#22 Germany  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 40th

Things had looked so bright for Germany when they drew Latvia and Croatia in the last Qualifiers, but they couldn't get the towering Satou Sabally on the floor enough and that was a big reason for being edged out. This time advancing could be even more difficult as they face two top-five teams from the 2021 edition in Belgium and also Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even with talents like Luisa Geiselsoder, Marie Guelich and Leonie Fiebiech, it looks a big challenge.

#23 Portugal  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 52nd

It's a source of constant frustration that Portugal have not punched hard at the senior level for a long time and despite their relatively lowly ranking of 23, the draw could have been more cruel. That should give them hope that they can surprise Great Britain or Greece and of course they will be expected to beat Estonia - although that could be tricky. Sofia Silva should provide the foundation along with Maria Kostourkova and Ines Viana.

#24 Poland  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 39th

Even if they have been dealt a reasonable hand in terms of their group with Turkey, Slovenia and Albania, it's probably just a little too soon for Poland to complete their transition. Having used a lot of new or younger players during the 2021 Qualifiers, they showed signs of progress and that should continue under head coach Maros Kovacik. The big issue remains that unlike most of their rivals, they just don't have a marquee or go-to player that can carry the team.

Even if Lithuania don't get out of a tough group, the longer term future looks bright with rising starJuste Jocyte

#25 Lithuania  

FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 33rd

With a new head coach in Rimantas Grigas, Lithuania are looking to cause some surprises. Any positivity may have evaporated slightly because of rotten luck in the draw which sees them pitched against France and Ukraine. That makes a reboot very difficult. Having said that, if they get their top players on the court such as Gintare Petronyte, Giedre Labuckiene and Daugile Sarauskaie, plus young stars like Juste Jocyte, they could achieve an upset or two.

The rest of the field

#26 Netherlands
#27 Denmark
#28 Bulgaria
#29 Finland
#30 Romania
#31 Estonia
#32 Switzerland
#33 Iceland
#34 Luxembourg
#35 North Macedonia
#36 Ireland
#37 Austria
#38 Albania

*The power rankings are entirely subjective and is in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.