BRNO (Czechia) - Colombia are celebrating the first upset of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 after they squeezed past host nation Czechia for what is only their second ever win in the competition.
They took down the local favorites in Brno with a memorable 52-46 victory to add to their sole previous triumph recorded against Angola at the 2018 edition.
Colombia look on course to defy the pre-tournament Smart Power Rankings which had them in 16th spot due to a lack of defensive punch.
"This game has now given us the confidence to win more games... I know we can do this."
However, they showed the fight and mentality needed to get over the line in a defensively-dominated game. A priceless 15 points from Keren Bertel led the way down the other end of the floor, while Diocelin Zuniga Hurtado was a colossus on the glass with 13 rebounds.
"I am so excited because this is our first win of this tournament," smiled Bertel once the final buzzer had sounded.
" I am also so excited for my country because this was a difficult game. All of this is for our country, for our family and our team."
She added: "This game has now given us the confidence to win more games and to play hard against every team that we face - I know we can do this."
Colombia will match up against Slovenia on Tuesday in their last Group C game.
FIBA