BRNO (Czechia) - While USA will again be red hot favorites to conquer the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and continue their dominance of the competition, it doesn't mean others can't still dream of success.
In a two-part series, we're checking out the prospects of all 16 teams and considering how they could somehow upset the defending champions.
Is it even realistic? We will see, but we're going to have some fun trying to make a case for every single country at the showpiece event.
Here's our take on the first eight teams getting ready to take their opportunity in Brno.
Australia
How they qualified: FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025 Champions Appearances (inc 2026): 8 Best ever finish: 1st (2016) After celebrating another U16 Asia title and doing it unbeaten, it's a stellar talented group looking to sparkle - but can they repeat the legendary Sapphires team of 2016 that made history and won U17 silverware? Their scoring and rebounding power makes it possible, with Madi Ryan, Isabel Smith and Marianela Fakaleta all class acts.
Canada
How they qualified: 2nd at FIBA U16 Women's AmeriCup 2025 Appearances: 8 Best ever finish: 2nd (2024) They showed their quality by powering past everyone at U16 Women's AmeriCup last year before hitting the hurdle of USA in the title game. They can post a deep run, potentially looking to match their historic first U17 Final spot in 2024. Their chances of glory are super-charged by the highly rated Avery Arije and an eye-catching team ethic.
China
How they qualified: 4th at FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025 Appearances: 5 Best ever finish: 3rd (2010) Missing the podium completely at U16 was a rarity for China, so this is a group of players who will look to respond in the most positive way with a bigger show in Brno. Winger Yuanshan Li will take on that responsibility with her epic scoring ability. She was one of the top scorers at U16 having dropped a stellar 38 points against New Zealand.
Colombia
How they qualified: 4th at FIBA U16 Women's AmeriCup 2025 Appearances: 2 Best ever finish: 14th (2018) It's going to be a stretch to convince anyone that Colombia can make a challenge, but they did reach the Semi-Finals at the U16 Women's AmeriCup last year. That was founded on some gritty defense, teamwork and a few nice contributions from star baller Maria Millan. Beating their previous 14th place finish will be the more realistic aim.
Côte d'Ivoire
How they qualified: 2nd at FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket 2025. Appearances: 1 Best ever finish: - The debutantes will want to make a splash on debut and maybe they'll extend their Cinderella story from the FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket when taking silver after a legendary win against regular champions Mali in the Semi-Finals. The dual power of Jane Diomande and Emmanuela William should hopefully make them very competitive.
Czechia
How they qualified: Hosts (13th at FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2025) Appearances: 3 Best ever finish: 4th (2014) Home support will play a big role in propelling Czechia to potential success, with the hosts having had a tough time at U16 last year. However, they do have some ballers that can hit a higher gear and make it a tournament to remember. Both Dominika Pencakova and Emma Novakova impressed and will be vital to the team playing well.
Egypt
How they qualified: FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket 2025 Champions Appearances: 4 Best ever finish: 11th (2022,2024) The history-makers will want to continue their fairytale and could be a surprise package. Taking a maiden U16 Women's AfroBasket title last year, they have talent and size that could help push for glory - even if it's merely logging a best U17 finish. MVP Fatma Abdella is the backcourt star, with Amin Zeina bringing the noise in the paint.
Germany
How they qualified: 3rd at FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2025 Appearances: 2 Best ever finish: 7th (2022) One of the best Germany youth teams in memory, this is a group that can dream big after their U16 bronze medal. Likely to be dominant on the glass and with a deadly outside threat, they could thrive in Brno. Mia Wiegand, Carla Koch and Darina Zraychenko are always impactful and will be a driving force behind a potentially strong campaign.
Next time in Part 2, we'll check out the other eight nations competing in the competition.
FIBA