UDINE/CIVIDALE DE FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's World Championship 2017) - The field is set for the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship 2017 in Udine and Cividale de Friuli with Australia securing the last remaining ticket on offer.

The Gems have landed bronze at the last two editions and they will again be Oceania's representative after easing to victory in the FIBA Oceania U18 Women's Championship 2016 Final.

China, Japan and Korea will also land on Italian soil next year after they claimed the podium places in Bangkok at the FIBA Asia U18 Women's Championship. Powerhouse nation China remain the only team from the continent to have also attained a medal at the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship.

The event will include two teams from Africa - FIBA Africa U18 Women's Championship 2016 winners Mali and runners-up Egypt. For the Malians, this will mark a third consecutive U19 Worlds appearance.

Reigning champions United States will be gunning for a stunning seventh title in a row after they landed top spot at the FIBA Americas U18 Women's Championship 2016. Canada took second place, Brazil finished third and Puerto Rico were the fourth qualifier from FIBA Americas as they prepare to step out in Udine some 12 years after last featuring at the event.

The remainder of the field includes the host nation and their fellow European neighbours, who will make the short trip to Italy.

France went unbeaten at the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2016 and will fancy their chances in Udine. Runners-up Spain also have a pair of silver medals at previous U19 outings, while Russia made the last Final in Chekhov as hosts and they are back in the mix.

The last two spots from Europe went to Latvia and Hungary, with the latter celebrating with their fans after clinching the all-important fifth place on their home court in Sopron.

The FIBA U19 Women's World Championship 2017 will take place from 22-30 July and the draw for the event is set for 1 February.

FIBA