BRNO (Czechia) - It will be all eyes on red-hot favorites USA at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 because of their incredible record and stacked talent, but it doesn't mean other teams still can't dream of landing the coveted silverware.
In the second part of our series, we're taking a look at the next eight nations as we try to figure out how they could break the champions' dominance and dethrone the champions.
How realistic it is for many nations we can all debate, but we're certainly having fun trying to make a case for everyone ready to step out in Brno.
Israel
How they qualified: 4th at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 Appearances: 1 Best ever finish: - History will happen in Brno as Israel will take to the floor for their maiden appearance event. It will be a landmark moment, but could the first-timers write another big headline? Well, they have a three-punch to be proud of in Gal Raviv, Mayaan Cohen and Ayala Oren. They also lit it up from long-range in making the U18 Semi-Finals last year.
Japan
How they qualified: 3rd at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2024 Appearances: 12 Best ever finish: 4th (2017) Still waiting for their first ever podium finish, could this be the year that Japan collect an overdue medal and even have a tilt at the silverware itself? Their high-tempo, defensive intensity and three-point skills could be a potent mix and if Kokoro Tanaka can produce the same kind of offensive production as last year, they could be a handful.
Korea
How they qualified: 4th at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2024 Appearances: 12 Best ever finish: 2nd (1985) It was back at the inaugural edition that Korea made the title game and got their hands on a silver medal. Exactly four decades later, what lies in wait for them in Brno. If they want to make another deep run, they will need Minji Lee and Yunha Song to be firing on all cylinders and for the team to shoot the lights out from long-range.
Mali
How they qualified: 1st at the FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket 2024 Appearances: 11 Best ever finish: 4th (2021) Having won the FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket 2024, Mali flexed their muscles and will look to remind everyone of their staggering rise in the global stage too. Making history when reaching the Semi-Finals in 2021, they've flown the flag for Africa. Powerful, relentless and in Oummou Koumare and Mama Sidiki Doumbia, they have real talent.
Nigeria
How they qualified: 2nd at the FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket 2024 Appearances: 2 Best ever finish: 16th (2011) It will be only the second ever step Nigeria have taken at the event. So 14 years after debut, could they replicate their senior teams at Paris 2024 and be inspired to make positive waves? Idubamo Beggi starred at U18 Women's AfroBasket and she'll propel them, although it will be the team's strong defense that could be a difference-maker.
Portugal
How they qualified: 5th at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 Appearances: 1 Best ever finish: - Another set of history-makers riding on the crest of a basketball wave, the rookies will love experiencing their nation's first taste of the competition and will be out to make a splash on debut. If the towering Clara Silva is able to play it will be a huge boost for the newcomers and Ema Karim is also a baller who should be on the watch-list.
Spain
How they qualified: 2nd at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 Appearances: 14 Best ever finish: 2nd (2009, 2011, 2023) They came so, so close to the fairytale finish in the Spanish capital at the last edition in front of an incredible 7,000 home fans. Will they go one better this time and make history? Much will depend on whether they hit top gear defensively and they'll look to the likes of Ines Sotelo and Somtochukwu-Blessed Okafor for offensive inspiration.
USA
How they qualified: 1st at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup 2024 Appearances: 16 Best ever finish: 1st (1997, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023) How long have you got? Yes, saving the best until last, the stunning milestone of double-digits in titles was reached after their success at the last edition in Madrid. The USA's dominance in the competition has been epic. Still the team to beat with their incredible depth and talent, it would be an epic shock if they didn't take gold again.
FIBA