MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers continue next week. A total of 32 teams are spread across eight groups, with the top three advancing to the Second Round.
Each team already played a pair of games, while another pair will be played in February and March 2026, and the First Round concludes in July 2026.
The Second Round starts immediately after, in August, followed by another couple of windows in November 2026 and February/March 2027.
We will be monitoring each country's progress in our Power Rankings before and after each window.
#1 Türkiye (=)
Record: 2-0 February/March back-to-back: vs. Serbia
The brackets say =, when they should easily say +1 even as number one from the last Power Rankings. Let us explain: They already had the top spot and now got even better.
That's because Malachi Flynn is set to make his national team debut, having the time of his life at Bahcesehir College with 15.8 points, 4.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game in the Turkish League, while shooting 39.8 percent from deep.
In EuroCup, his averages are 17.7 points, 4.0 assists and 3.9 rebounds, and he's still just a 27-year-old with plenty of European basketball ahead of him. Türkiye will need him to deliver immediately, look at the doubleheader opponent they've got in this window!
#2 Greece (+1)
Record: 2-0 February/March back-to-back: vs. Montenegro
Even though they lost their last matchup with Montenegro in World Cup 2023, Greece will feel like the strong favorites ahead of their back-to-back matchup.
They stormed through the last Window, and they've got pretty much all their best players returning for another run, with Kostas Antetokounmpo, Giannoulis Larentzakis, Alexandros Samodurov, Vasileios Toliopoulos and Nikos Rogkavopoulos all on the preliminary roster.
With motivation to wash off that bitter taste of their last defeat to Montenegro, a game in the acoustic SUNEL Arena, and this kind of lineup, nobody should be surprised if they take the Power Rankings lead next time we talk here.
#3 Germany (-1)
Record: 2-0 February/March back-to-back: vs. Croatia
We need the "honey, wake up" meme here, because "honey, wake up, Jack Kayil is playing basketball."
ALBA BERLIN's rising star is having a breakout year, and is playing like a seasoned veteran, instead of a 20-year-old kid that he is.
The improvement from the start of the season to today is incredible, finishing January with 24 points against Bamberg, 20 against AEK, then starting February with 24 against Trier and 20 against Karditsa. Crazy run right around his 20th bday!
#4 Serbia (=)
Record: 2-0 February/March back-to-back: vs. Türkiye
Aleksa is back! Aleksa Avramovic is on the list for these two games, and his experience could make all the difference as they take on Türkiye in back-to-back battles.
Keep an eye on Bogoljub Markovic, the 20-year-old from Mega has been unstoppable lately, with a monster performance of 29 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and an efficiency rating of 41 as Mega stunned Crvena Zvezda on February 1.
#5 Spain (=)
Record: 2-0 February/March back-to-back: vs. Ukraine
The plan is working. Coach Chus Mateo is blending in the experience of Jaime Fernandez, Santi Yusta and other with the younger guys coming through, such as Izan Almansa or Isaac Nogues.
Of course, youngsters and experienced ones need that one glue guy to teach them all about the importance of team-first oriented approach in order to win something. Say, the World Cup.
Enter stage: Pierre Oriola! What a comeback story that is, as the 33-year-old is having his highest scoring Liga Endesa season ever, knocking down an incredible 44.4 percent of three-pointers.
You remember him. He lifted this trophy in Beijing back then, remember? Of course you remember.
#6 Poland (=)
Record: 2-0 February/March back-to-back: vs. Latvia
It's going to be a bit of a guessing game as both Jerrick Harding and Jordan Loyd are on the preliminary roster.
Aside from the two guys capable of scoring 30 at will, there is another interesting name returning to the roster. Igor Milicic Jr is set to fly back home from the United States, where he is playing in the NBA G League with the Delaware Blue Coats, his first season as a pro on that side of the Atlantic after four NCAA years with three different teams.
Unique path, that's for sure.
#7 Croatia (=)
Record: 2-0 February/March back-to-back: vs. Germany
PEOPLE! WE'VE GOT A CAPS LOCK SITUATION!
NONE OTHER THAN DARIO SARIC IS ON CROATIA'S ROSTER! THE CAPTAIN OF THE NATIONAL TEAM IS INCLUDED ON THE LIST AFTER BEING TRADED BACK-AND-FORTH OVER THE LAST NBA TRADE DEADLINE, AND IT SEEMS WE GET TO WATCH HIM LEAD CROATIA IN TWO TOUGH FIXTURES WITH GERMANY!
WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE, DARIO SARIC COMING BACK TO BE ANOTHER MENTOR FOR THE HIGH-FLYING 19-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL RUZIC...
OH THOSE TWO GAMES AGAINST GERMANY ARE GONNA BE SO MUCH FUN!
#8 France (+6)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Hungary
Started from the bottom, now we're all here to watch him play.
At 23 years old, Sylvain Francisco was still playing in the second division in France. At 24, he got his first real taste of the top level, and now, at 28, his meteoric rise has put him in the EuroLeague MVP conversation, since he's been Zalgiris' best player of the season, easily.
In fact, we're such big fans of Sylvain over here that we're pushing France by six spots based on him playing and nothing else, really.
That's how we roll over here at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers Smart Power Rankings Headquarters!
#9 Ukraine (-1)
Record: 2-0 February/March back-to-back: vs. Spain
The only reason they are down a spot is that Spain put together a strong roster for their two games. Oleksandr Kovliar has been one of the breakout stars in the last window, but has seen limited minutes with Buducnost since.
If he can get his groove back, it could be good news for all three parties: his nation, his club, and - most importantly - himself.
You've got a gift, Oleks. Time to use it now!
#10 Lithuania (+3)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Iceland
You can tell the national team time is coming up, because the litmus paper is changing color. Litmus paper being Ignas Sargiunas.
It's basically a rule, Rytas Vilnius' sniper will start playing out of his mind as the time approaches for him to put on the green national team jersey. He had a season-best 27 points against Hapoel Holon in the BCL, then followed it up with 15 points against Neptunas and 16 against Juventus just before the start of the camp.
Sargent Ignas will be there when his troop needs him, no doubt.
#11 Italy (=)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Great Britain
In two months' time, Amedeo Della Valle will turn 33. Just add his name to the list of players who somehow keep extending their career and grow with each passing season, so much so, we're talking about the efficiency rating leader of the Italian League here.
Yep. At 21.3 per game, it's his career-high, too. With plenty of youngsters about to get their first taste of national team basketball, having a guy like Amedeo to guide them is just perfect.
A pair of wins against Team GB and they'll be in the Top 10 next time around.
#12 Hungary (-3)
Record: 2-0 February/March back-to-back: vs. France
Don't look now, but we could have Hungary among the countries to pick up an international trophy at club level.
Falco Vulcano Energia KC Szombathely are through to the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA Europe Cup, ready to take on Bosna BH Telecom. Why is that relevant for the Power Rankings? Well, because Zoltan Perl has been arguably the MVP of the season in that competition, and his teammate Andras Tanoh Dez also earned a call up to the national team.
Oh, and guess where they'll play France in Hungary? Pick a point on the map.
Yep. Zoltan Perl's hometown. Szombathely!
#13 Czechia (-3)
Record: 2-0 February/March back-to-back: vs. Slovenia
One of these days, Czechia will announce a roster without Tomas Satoransky and Jan Vesely. Not today, though.
The problem is, they are facing a very tough, backs-against-the-wall Slovenia team, which is why we dropped Czechia a few spots back here.
That's fine, though. We still get to say "whoops, misjudged Czechia again" after they go 2-0 in this Window, too.
#14 Finland (-2)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Belgium
Another window, another chance to remind you that Miika Muurinen will play for Finland.
Belgium have been far from perfect during the Qualifiers so far, consider these two games as two match points, one on their serve, at home, the other on opponent's terms and conditions.
The continuity is there for Finland, and we're now in a situation where we're all just expecting them to sweep Belgium, aren't we? That system of theirs is working. It's been proven.
#15 Portugal (=)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Romania
The recent growth of Portuguese basketball is best evident when you look at their rivalry with Romania. They used to be in various Pre-Qualifiers, but after Portugal made a name for themselves at the FIBA EuroBasket 2025, they'll be the favorites to go 2-0 against Romania now.
How do you say "daydreaming" in Portuguese? Because that's what we're doing right now, talking about Portugal realistically being a 3-1 team in early March.
#16 Netherlands (+1)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Austria
Remember when we talked about the FIBA Europe Cup and Zoltan Perl being a potential MVP? Well, Yannick Franke might be the reason Perl is not the best player of the season.
The sharpshooter has been on point all season long, leading all scorers in the Second Round as Aliaga Petkimspor's go-to guy. Now, with him and a few others feeling this, and a pair of games against Austria coming up, we really feel good about the Netherlands' chances of going 2-0 in this Window.
#17 Slovenia (-1)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Czechia
Coach Aleksander Sekulic repeated the same thoughts as before the first window - the goal is to rejuvenate this lineup. So, the new kids on the block from the last two games, they are back now, but no longer the beginners.
We'll see now how much that November experienced helped them as they have a pair of "playoff games" as coach Sekulic called them, against Czechia. Thanks to those November games, maybe the adjustments on the court go by faster for the new guys.
And then again, if the adjustments are too slow, just give the ball to Klemen Prepelic. He's been around, he always figures stuff out on the court.
#18 Estonia (=)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Sweden
You wanna know how big basketball is in Estonia?
Valjamuudud means "sold out," Rootsi means "Sweden" in Estonian. Wait, does that mean the non-English speakers in Estonia think the hip-hop group called The Roots are Swedish!?
Ah, that's right. There are no non-English speakers in Estonia. Anyway, all the usual suspects are back, Henri Drell, Kregor Hermet, Mikk Jurkatamm, Janari Joesaar, Artur Konontsuk, Kristian Kullamae, Sander Raieste, Joonas Riismaa, Mark Rosenthal, Matthias Tass, Kaspar Trier, Siim-Sander Vene...
#19 Montenegro (+2)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Greece
You think the Adriatic League is top notch, right? You know, Partizan, Zvezda, Buducnost, Dubai, Cedevita Olimpija, Cluj Napoca, Bosna, Igokea, Spartak, FMP, Zadar, Mega, all these teams - it sounds like a top notch league, right?
So if you are leading any kind of stat in that league, you're probably top notch, too, right?
How about Aleksa Ilic? The pogo stick jumping stat machine who's leading the ABA League in efficiency rating per game and averaging 15.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, all in 28 minutes per game with SC Derby, that's top notch, right? Right.
They'll need him to be big against Greece if they wanna stay at .500. Or go better, why not?
#20 Iceland (-1)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Lithuania
The only reason Iceland lose a spot is because Martin Hermannsson got injured, and even though he is on the list for the two games with Lithuania, it's not looking all that promising that he'll be there at 100 percent.
Iceland with him and without him are not the same team. Like, the only other player with such VORP* on this team is probably Tryggvi Hlinason. Big blow if Martin is not healthy to face Lithuania.
*Value over replacement player. Basically how much is your team better if you're playing compared to if somebody else is in your role.
#21 Latvia (-1)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Poland
Minus one as injuries have hurt Latvia once again, preventing them from bringing Davis Bertans, Rodions Kurucs and Arturs Zagars to the lineup now.
At least they got Kristers Zoriks back, while Arturs Strautins and Tom Skuja are also making comebacks for coach Sito Alonso. Two tough games against Poland await; win two, lose none, you're Top 10 here; win one, lose one, you're still okay; win none, lose both... Yeah let's not talk about that scenario for now, okay?
#22 Great Britain (=)
Record: 1-1 February/March back-to-back: vs. Italy
Probably a good thing if you're playing a certain team that your two best players are playing in that certain team's domestic championship.
Quinn Ellis and Carl Wheatle will have all the inside scoops on Italy, then share it with their teammates, as Team GB can go full Gennaro Gattuso Sometimes May Be Good, Sometimes May Be S*** against the Italians and still feel good about their Second Round chances, as they are entering the window at 1-1.
Seriously though. Quinn Ellis is a beast: 8.1 points, 3.8 assists and 42.2 percent three-point shooting in his very first EuroLeague season with Milano, sky's the limit.
#23 Bosnia and Herzegovina (=)
Record: 0-2 February/March back-to-back: vs. Switzerland
We told you the last time, they are the best 0-2 team. Easily.
But it won't matter unless they sweep Switzerland, because these two games are do-or-die, considering they've got Türkiye and Serbia also in the group.
Oh, and don't underestimate the fact that John Roberson is in the French Second Division, Elan Chalon kinda did that in the French Cup and he knocked down five threes for 30 points, eliminating Chalon from the competition. John is that guy. Always has been.
#24 Israel (+1)
Record: 0-2 February/March back-to-back: vs. Cyprus
All hands on deck. Israel need to sweep Cyprus because Croatia and Germany are running away in this group, and the fact they are -34 so far isn't helping their case, at all.
Don't forget, this is a historic chance for Israel to make it back to the World Cup. The last time they made the trip to the final round was 20 years ago, in 1986.
What's that? Ah, yes, correct, 1986 was 30 years ago, got it.
Can't hear you anymore. 1986 was 30 years ago, trust us. Definitely not 40 years ago.
#25 Denmark (+2)
Record: 0-2 February/March back-to-back: vs. Georgia
Iffe Lundberg and Shavon Shields are back on the roster, that's why they are +2 in the Power Rankings.
However, not even the feel-good vibes of this article will save them if they go 0-2 against Georgia in this window. The pressure is rising, but at least they don't have to worry about Giorgi Shermadini bothering them in that matchup since the Georgian giant retired from the national team last time around.
#26 Sweden (-2)
Record: 0-2 February/March back-to-back: vs. Estonia
It's a better looking team than in the first window, but we're not doing this based on looks. As long as the superbestfriends tandem of Ludde Hakanson and Simon Birgander performs well, they'll have a decent chance against Estonia.
Expect a pair of sell-out games there. One win, sure, that's nice. Two wins, two gigantic leaps towards the Second Round.
No wins? High 20s in the Power Rankings for at least another six months.
#27 Belgium (-1)
Record: 0-2 February/March back-to-back: vs. Finland
It's painful seeing Belgium all the way down here, but this is what happens when you go 0-2.
No room for error against Finland, so Ismael Bako returns to the team, his size and experience will be crucial in stopping those Finnish offensive rebounders charging to the glass. You'd think they faced Finland a lot of times, you can kinda remember seeing them going head-to-head?
You're brain is messing with you - they have not played each other since 2012. So long ago, Roel Moors and Sam Van Rossom were the backcourt partners.
#28 Georgia (=)
Record: 0-2 February/March back-to-back: vs. Denmark
Okay, the main thing is that Duda Sanadze is on the roster. He was the game-winning hero when they beat Denmark in 2025, hitting the clutch layup and setting the final score at 62-60.
Okay, the other main thing is that Toko Shengelia is also on the roster, he had 19 points and 13 rebounds in that game, considering the low-scoring affair, it felt like 40 points and 20 rebounds.
You never know with Georgia and Denmark, do you? There were times when Georgia won on the road, times when Denmark won on the road (by 31, btw), and close encounters such as the aforementioned one here. Too close to call.
#29 Switzerland (=)
Record: 0-2 February/March back-to-back: vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Life is cruel. At one point you're destroying Serbia on the road, daydreaming of winning the group, having so much fun and then all of a sudden, you're down at 0-2 and you've got do-or-die games against BIH coming up.
Then again, if they sweep BIH now, and at the same time Türkiye and Serbia go 1-1 in their matchup, Switzerland would secure a spot in the Second Round no matter what happens in the last two games!
Glass half full or half empty? Up to you, really.
#30 Austria (=)
Record: 0-2 February/March back-to-back: vs. Netherlands
The math is simple, just do what you did against the Netherlands the last time around. In August 2025, Austria defeated the Netherlands by 13, with Sylven Landesberg leading the way, scoring 14 points in 19 minutes of work.
He's back on the roster now. Okay, Jakob Poeltl is not there anymore, compared to that game, but Rasid Mahalbasic will be there in the middle, so it's a similar team, facing a similar opponent and hoping for a similar outcome.
Austria won two of their last three games vs. NED. It matters, it really does.
#31 Romania (=)
Record: 0-2 February/March back-to-back: vs. Portugal
While Cluj Napoca are raising the standards in terms of Romanian basketball all over the continent, and also in terms of what social media should look like in 2026, it could take years for that influence to rub off on the national team too.
Maybe it starts now, with Daron Russell added to the lineup. Probably the favorite to get the first 40-point game of the Qualifiers. Current mark in this term is 34 points, set by Ludde Hakanson for Sweden against Slovenia. Russell's got seven games with more than that in the last three-and-a-half years alone.
#32 Cyprus (=)
Record: 0-2 February/March back-to-back: vs. Israel
The message always looks the same for Cyprus. Keep piling up the experience of these big games, and you'll see real results in the upcoming years, when the kids who watched the EuroBasket or these Qualifiers and fell in love with the sport grow up.
They'll need at least one win against Israel to stay in contention for the Second Round here.
Note: The Power Rankings are entirely subjective and is in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.