MIES (Switzerland) - As the dust settles on the recent FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 draw, it's time to look ahead at some of the most mouth-watering matchups that now lie in wait during the Group Phase.
Taking place in Brno, Czechia between July 11-19, the tournament promises plenty of excitement during the first few days of action and we've picked out some of the best games to put on your watchlist.
While all of the action is not to be missed, here's the ones that you need to tune in for. Exact tip-off times will be confirmed in due course, with the full game schedule available here.
Germany vs Spain (Group B)
Date: Saturday, July 11
There's so much momentum behind women's basketball in Germany right now due to the incredible rise of the senior women's team and the hosting of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin. So there will be some added attention on this U17 team hoping to further super-charge that feel good factor with a strong show.
An early matchup with Spain will be a great contest, since Germany were on the last podium step at the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2025 behind a nice display from Mia Wiegand. Meanwhile MVP Isabel Hernandez inspired a title success for Spain and they should step of the plane in Brno as one of the favorites to ink a medal at the event.
Egypt vs New Zealand (Group D)
Date: Saturday, July 11
FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket 2025 champions Egypt will want to give a good account of themselves at this level and with MVP Fatma Abdella in situ, they have every chance of impressing. Especially since they can also lean on more depth than merely their star guard, with center Amin Zeina also making the All-Star Five last year too.
New Zealand will be favorites in this one for sure, but will know they must be at their best to avoid losing and that means a big reliance on the towering Emilia Ainley. She made the All-Star Five at U16 Women's Asia Cup and will lead the line once more. There are also great things expected from Shamar Broughton who brings a scoring punch.
Australia vs USA (Group A)
Date: Sunday, July 12 Only two nations have ever won this competition since its inception and they will both meet in Group A in what could be a blockbuster game. As six-time champions, all eyes will be on USA as always, while the same can be said of the Sapphires who famously won a historic title in 2016.
There will be some top prospects involved with this one, including Madison Ryan and Isabel Smith who both made the All-Star Five last year at the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup with Australia. Meanwhile Ivanna
Côte d’Ivoire vs Latvia (Group A)
Date: Sunday, July 12
There's always a special feeling when any nation steps onto the floor for the first time in a FIBA competition and Côte d’Ivoire will enjoy this experience as this year's rookies. The African nation will be huge underdogs and on paper at least, Latvia might just represent their best chance of a shock and historic first success at this level.
They'll pin their hopes on Jane Diomande and Emmanuela William - both All-Star Five members of the FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket 2025. If Latvia avoid an upset, it's likely forward Sindija Sondore will be their main baller. She recently made the 20 Euro Stars Under 20 list and also the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2025 All-Star Five.
Japan vs Slovenia (Group C)
Date: Sunday, July 12Date: Sunday, July 12
Both teams play exciting and dynamic basketball, with Japan and Slovenia impressing at their respective U16 tournaments last year. While Japan had to settle for bronze in Malaysia last year, they did have the MVP in the shape of walking highlights reel Miya Takeuchi, who was on fire and led the tournament in both points and assists.
Slovenia have their own stars to look out for, powering their way into the Final and while utlimately succumbing to Spain in the title game, they won many fans with their play. Watch out for Veronika Feranjic making a splash again since she is tipped for senior action in the near future, while Ota Pozin was also a rock for her side last year too.
Czechia vs Colombia (Group C)
Date: Sunday, July 12 There will be a great atmosphere when host nation Czechia proudly take to the court and even more so, with Colombia presenting a great chance of victory. Although conversely, the South Americans themselves might fancy pulling off a shock in what is only their second ever appearance in this competition and first for eight years.
Czechia will likely use their rize in a clash of styles, with Ema Novakova and Dominka Pencakova both able to dominate and asser themselves. Meanwhile Colombia might be tempted to push the pace and will look to move the ball well, utilizing their smaller and quicker guards. Take a look out for Shery Montano and Maria Millan.
FIBA