BRNO (Czechia) - Even if USA are the runaway favorites to continue their incredible dominance of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 it doesn't mean other nations can't dream of causing an upset.
In the second of our two-part series, we're assessing the prospects of the remaining teams and considering how they could potentially get their hands on the famous silverware.
Even if it isn't that realistic, we're continuing to have some fun trying to make a case for every participating nation.
Here's our take on the remaining teams getting ready to take their chance in Brno.
Italy
How they qualified: 6th at FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2025 Appearances: 6 Best ever finish: 2nd (2016) With a marquee player like Isabel Hassan, Italy have a foundation for a strong challenge, even if they were 6th at U16 last year. It was arguably a false position as they won 5 of 7 games, so watch out for them being dark horses. Giulia Mueller is also talented and they'll dream of replicating their 2016 success when they made the Final.
Japan
How they qualified: 3rd at FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025 Appearances: 8 Best ever finish: 4th (2012) Stung by missing out on the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup Final, Japan can bounce back and show their potential. Always a threat with their perimeter shooting skills, transition and defensive pressure, they are dreaming of making history with a first U17 podium finish. And, with U16 MVP Miya Takeuchi, they have a stellar baller to lead them.
Latvia
How they qualified: 4th at FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2025 Appearances: 3 Best ever finish: 8th (2018) Catching the eye of everyone with their fine run to the Semi-Finals of U16 Women's EuroBasket last year, they were fuelled by the exploits of the outstanding Sindija Sondore. The forward is an exceptional talent and will be the centerpiece of their third appearance. But they're not a one player team, with Sarlote Skrebele also very influential.
Mexico
How they qualified: 3rd at FIBA U16 Women's AmeriCup 2025 Appearances: 5 Best ever finish: 14th (2014, 2016) Riding the high of winning U16 bronze on home soil, their confidence will be flowing and they can look forward to possibly causing some shocks. Making another podium might be beyond them, but they were excellent defensively with their quick hands last year and Belen Velazquez will be a real floor general when they hit the court in Brno.
New Zealand
How they qualified: 2nd at FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025 Appearances: 4 Best ever finish: 12th (2018, 2022, 2024) Fresh from making history with a first FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup Final, this illustrates how New Zealand can launch a challenge. Even if that falls short of an U17 podium, they have a great chance of at least attaining their best ever finish in this competition - led by the devastating one-two punch of Shamar Broughton and Emilia Ainley.
Slovenia
How they qualified: 2nd at FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2025 Appearances: 2 Best ever finish: 9th (2022) It's still boom time for Slovenia as their youth teams continue to punch hard. Led by the super Veronika Ferjancic, they made the U16 Women's EuroBasket Final and their star forward is the kind of player to inspire a strong display in Brno. The team's collective skills and organization on both ends of the floor are strong, so they could go deep.
Spain
How they qualified: FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2025 Champions Appearances: 8 Best ever finish: 2nd (2012, 2014, 2022) Still searching for that elusive first U17 title after three Final appearances, could this be the year that Spain end their wait? They touch down as U16 Women's EuroBasket champions - a top of the podium finish driven by lockdown team defense, MVP Isabel Hernandez, as well as other leaders like Claudia Lostal and Amelia Alonso.
USA
How they qualified: FIBA U16 Women's AmeriCup 2025 Champions Appearances: 8 Best ever finish: 1st (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024) Saving the best until last? It's highly likely because of the tradition of USA has in dominating the tournament and also with their usual stellar pool of talent and amazing depth. They have a real standout in U16 MVP Ivanna Wilson, while Eve Long and Micah Ojo will be leaders tool. It would be an epic shock if they didn't extend the trophy streak.
FIBA