MIES (Switzerland) - Every game at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023 is worth watching, but some of the games might have a storyline or two that makes it more interesting.

We looked through the 24 games of the Group Phase and came up with this list of matchups that should not be missed.

USA vs Madagascar

June 24 - 12:30 CET - Group B

Donovan Rakotonanahary

It doesn't get more David vs Goliath than this. USA are aiming for their ninth title in 16 editions - and fifth in the last six -and are heavy favorites to raise the trophy on July 2. Madagascar meanwhile are making their U19 World Cup debut and the country is playing at its first men's global FIBA 5x5 tournament in history. The southeastern African island nation did participate in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023 earlier this month in Vienna.

Japan v Brazil

June 24 - 15:00 CET - Group C

Samis Calderon

Brazil finished runners-up in the first U19 World Cup in 1979 and took third place in 1983. The South American giants have advanced into the top four just once since then and the Japan game will be their first U19 World Cup contest in 10 years - having last appeared in the competition in 2013. So it's welcome back for Brazil. Japan meanwhile might have one of their strongest teams in U19 World Cup history and are dreaming of the Quarter-Finals.

Korea vs Hungary

June 24 - 17:30 - Group D

Robert Meszlenyi

Hungary will be playing their first U19 World Cup game in their country's history - and they hope they can make it a win over Korea. Hungary is the first country to be hosting the U19 World Cup in its debut in the event since Czech Republic in 2013.

Madagascar vs Lebanon

June 25 - 19:30 CET - Group B

Karl Zamatta

Madagascar are heavy underdogs against USA in their U19 World Cup curtain-raiser, but the FIBA U18 African Championship 2022 runners-up have a legitimate chance for their first win in history in the second game against Lebanon. The Asians have not played in the competition since 2007 and are hoping to grab their first win in 16 years after beating Mali 76-55 in Classification 13-16 play in 2007. 

Canada vs Spain / Spain vs France / Canada vs France 

June 24 - 20:00 CET / June 25 - 14:30 CET / June 27 - 12:30 CET - all Group A

Michael Nwoko

Let's actually bunch this trio of games together and call it one big game to watch. What a thrilling group with youth superpowers like Canada, France and Spain. At least China avoid those teams in the Round of 16. But all three of these games will be hotly contested as all three are legitimate contenders for the title.

FIBA