BRNO (Czechia) - The race for glory at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 is set to head into the last stretch and that means it's a perfect time to issue the second volume of the Smart Power Rankings.
Reflecting on the first volume, as well as the results, performances and of course the tournament bracket, here's how it's now looking with just three gamedays remaining.
16. Côte d'Ivoire (-1)
No fairytale has been possible for the African debutantes. It was a brutal introduction facing USA first and they were unlucky being drawn against Australia, meaning potentially the 2026 Finalists were in their group.
The good news is Jane Mary Diomande has lived up to the billing and they also still have a shot at a historic first win.
15. Colombia (+1)
Whatever happens, Colombia can take pride in picking up only their second ever victory in the competition, some eight years after their first. They also claimed a maiden win against European opposition when they beat Czechia.
Now they might feel they have the capacity to record a historic second U17 win at a single edition for the first time.
14. Egypt (-)
The U16 AfroBasket champions have played well in short spurts but have struggled to find that offensive gear needed to breakthrough and get a victory.
They might be dangerous in these next games because they do can be aggressive. Leila Eissa has been the pick, but they must dig out at least one top team display and rebound better.
13. Mexico (-)
If Mexico can harness their two main positives, they could still post their best ever U17 World Cup performance.
This means continuing their collective quick hands and capacity to grab steals at the defensive end, along with the leadership and classy contributions of playmaker Jimena Velazquez who has done a nice job for her country.
12. Italy (-1)
The high value of a quality marquee baller like Isabel Hassan has been balanced out by the supporting cast who've struggled to score. She's the only player in double-digits and there's been hardly any offensive production.
In fact their second scorer has contributed 7.8 points per game. They're inconsistent and have barely any offensive rhythm.
11. Czechia (+1)
It depends which Czechia turns up, since there's been wild variations of play within games, not just across games. Dominika Pencakova is a standout, but is carrying the load.
The problem the hosts have is not scoring enough and enduring some lengthy droughts. They are very competitive in other ways but need to make more downtown shots.
10. Latvia (-1)
Clearly missing star baller Sindija Sondore and her quality in the paint, Latvia were never realistically going to be the same team that excelled at U16 Women's EuroBasket.
Sarlote Skrebele has done her best to fuel their offense and has been amazing at times. But like Italy and Czechia, where are their reliable second and third scorers?
9. Germany (-3)
It's been a huge disappointment for Germany after their great show at FIBA U16 EuroBasket Women. They have turned the ball over spectacularly, then arguably over-relied on jacking up three-point shots and showed little to no aggression defensively.
That said, they do have one win, and if they address some of the issues, can recover a little.
8. China (+2)
Aside from their collapse against Spain when they melted under defensive pressure, China have caught the eye - at least compared to expectations. When they play aggressively they look tough and the emergence of Hanyun Sun has been a bonus.
She's great to watch and it makes them dangerous when alongside the potent Yuanshan Li.
7. Slovenia (-2)
It's very harsh in some ways for Slovenia to fall two spots as they play nice team basketball, are well coached and have outstanding talents such as Anais Gobec and Veronika Ferjancic.
There are other very capable performers too, but they look like coming up short against better teams and USA is next. That's tough and feeds into the ranking.
6. New Zealand (+1)
They have contiuned their great work from a historical U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025. With a strong team ethic, they thrive on having active guards and two big prospects inside with Emilia Ainley and Imani Rasmussen.
When New Zealand move the ball they look great, but they have lost their composure too much when when opponents press.
5. Japan (+3)
Box-office every time they take to the floor, it's never anything less than a stack of fun to watch this Japan team play. Always smiling and nobody more so than Miya Takeuchi, who's pulled the strings brilliantly.
But there have been other stars, including Kako Otsuki and Ran Kobayashi. Japan could attain a first top five finish in six editions.
4. Canada (-)
They have used their size well as expected, but have also sunk downtown scores which makes them a big threat and they will still push for the podium. They have also showed they can play some nice defense too, switching things up and being aggressive.
But who's go-to in the clutch? Avery Arije has not quite found the hot-hand yet.
3. Spain (-)
It's hard to live with their pressing and relentless defense - something baked into Spanish basketball. Teams know it's coming but can't stop it. Devastating in transition, the big question now in these crunch games is whether they can execute in the half-court.
All eyes on Isabel Hernandez and Amelia Alonso, the leaders of the team so far.
2. Australia (-)
The Sapphires have been very impressive, using their depth, talent, inside-outside balance and defense to go 4-0. They almost topped USA in a classic game, coming one downtown score short of a famous win.
They look absolute locks to get to the Final, with Madison Ryan and Olivia Olechnowicz impressing. But really, it's been a team show.
1. USA (-)
Still the team to beat. They dodged a bullet against Australia, almost suffering only their second U17 loss ever - but got it done. They've relied heavily on big minutes and production from Ivanna Wilson Manyacka.
They must find a higher gear in the last days to be sure of keeping their crown and their win against Mexico showed positive signs.
Disclaimer: The Smart Power Rankings is not an official statement from FIBA. It is created solely to enhance the experience of the fans following the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026.
FIBA