BRNO (Czechia) - While USA will be the runaway favorites at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 because of their astonishing record and talent-packed roster, it doesn't mean other teams still can't dream of topping the podium.
In a two-part series, we're casting our eye over all 16 teams and trying to figure out how they could snap the champions' winning streak and dethrone the holders.
How realistic it is for many nations we can all debate, but we're certainly going to have some fun trying to make a case.
Here's our take on the first eight teams getting ready to take to the floor in Brno.
Argentina
How they qualified: 3rd at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup 2024 Appearances: 10 Best ever finish: 3rd (2009) Ready to hit double digits in appearances at the event, Argentina have a long tradition of being at the showpiece tournament. They showed promise at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup 2024 with a bronze medal, have a leader in Malena Maggi who played at the last U19 Worlds in Madrid. Plus, they always bring the noise intensity-wise.
Australia
How they qualified: 1st at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2024 Appearances: 16 Best ever finish: 1st (1993) They're the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup champs and took that silverware without losing a single game, so have to be amongst the frontrunners in Brno. Inside or outside, looking through and individual lens or team concepts, they have so much to offer. They also reign supreme on the glass and had a jaw-dropping 60 boards per game last year.
Brazil
How they qualified: 4th at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup 2024 Appearances: 12 Best ever finish: 3rd (2011) If she suits up, they have one of the stars of the tournament in waiting in the shape of Ayla McDowell who made the All-Star Five at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup last year. But they're certainly no one-woman show and have a lot of athleticism on the team that could see them get blocks, hustle and use their defense to make a challenge.
Canada
How they qualified: 2nd at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup 2024 Appearances: 12 Best ever finish: 3rd (2017, 2023) They've taken a medal twice in the last four editions, made the U18 Women's AmeriCup Final and also the title game at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024. Yes, Canada are a nation soaring upwards! They have real scoring power and love sharing the ball. Jasmine Bascoe and Nyadieng Yiech are also a great one-two punch.
China
How they qualified: 2nd at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2024 Appearances: 15 Best ever finish: 3rd (2005) It's exactly two decades since China took their one and only medal and so it feels like it's time for this famous basketball nation to shine. They put in a strong effort at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2024 with silver and while all eyes were on the towering and super Ziyu Zhang, it can't be overlooked they played so well as a group!
Czechia
How they qualified: Qualified as host nation Appearances: 7 Best ever finish: 1st (2001) Home support for starters! Also is it fate they'll win it all on home soil? The last time they hosted in 2001, Czechia were champs and it remains their only podium finish. Could it be a sign? Also, they're on the rise having been promoted to Division A of the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket, helped by the exploits of the classy Emilie Brzonova
France
How they qualified: 1st at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 Appearances: 10 Best ever finish: 2nd (2013) Champions last year at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket, they're dripping with exciting prospects being tipped to go to the top of the sport. Collectively they're super strong physically, highly skilled and know what it takes to win a trophy. If USA surprise and miss out, surely France look the most likely to take their precious crown away.
Hungary
How they qualified: 6th at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 Appearances: 4 Best ever finish: 3rd (2021) In 2021, Hungary caused a surprise with a bronze and it showed they're a nation who can punch at this weight. Plus, who doesn't love being given a second chance? Initially missing out on their Worlds spot at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024, Serbia were then unable to participate and Hungary got an unexpected green light!
Next time in Part 2, we'll check out the other eight nations competing in the competition.
FIBA