MUNICH (Germany) - The countdown to the start of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers is about to expire and that means already thinking about who might have the best chance of silverware at the next edition.
We've started the epic challenge of somehow trying to work out who might make the main event in two years time, who might be crowned champions and of course, who might have the agony of missing out.
Taking into account past campaigns, the all-important Qualifiers First Round draw and the squad announcements, here's how FIBA women's basketball expert Paul Nilsen is calling it at this way too early stage.
1. Belgium
Starting their preparation to claim a stunning third successive crown, the Cats are still the team to beat and they do still have that truly special player and leader in two-time TISSOT MVP, Emma Meesseman.
2. Spain
Stung by the agony of allowing the 2025 silverware to slip through their fingers, they will look to challenge again and should be better for young guns like Awa Fam and Iyana Martin having more experience by the next edition.
3. France
Missing out on a medal was unthinkable and they will want to make amends. They have the deepest talent pool of any nation and so can re-focus, re-energize and build back better for 2027 to get back on the podium.
4. Germany
New playcaller Olaf Lange will focus on the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in his home city first, but he has some fabulous players to choose from and can continue the recent rise and rise of German hoops into 2027.
5. Italy
Fresh from that fabulous bronze medal at the 2025 edition and famous night in Piraeus, Italy can continue to punch hard. They can still make a deep run next time with Cecilia Zanadalasini and talented upcoming young guns.
6. Lithuania
By 2027, Juste Jocyte will have developed into even more of a marquee baller and leader. There are some other excellent rising stars breaking through, some veteran returnees and of course home advantage. What's not to love?
7. Türkiye
While the appointment of Andrea Mazzon came a little out of leftfield, things continue to look positive for Türkiye. With Sevgi Uzun, Teaira McCowan and others playing at a high level, they'll target the Quarter-Finals again in 2027.
8. Slovenia
New playcaller David Gaspar will pick up the pieces after a 2025 podium push ended in an early exit. But a tricky group awaits and he will need Teja Oblak, Eva Lisec, Jessica Shepard and Zala Friskovec to all show up strongly.
9. Czechia
The frontcourt duo of Julia Reisingerova and Emma Cechova gives Czechia the basis to maintain their run of Final Round appearances. But the guard and wing spots are less certain and will determine their fate in coming years.
10. Greece
They're primed to go four editions in a row. Red-hot favorites to top their First Round group, the quartet of Artemis Spanou, Eleanna Christinaki, Mariella Fasoula and Robyn Parks provides a rock solid foundation to book a return.
11. Sweden
The co-hosts can look forward with confidence thanks to a standout baller and do-it-all leader like Klara Holm and rising stars like Tilda Trygger. Their young head coach Kevin Taylor Lundgren has also shown his potential too.
12. Hungary
The last campaign was a disaster, having made the 2023 Semi-Finals. But Hungary didn't become bad overnight and their team ethic, plus players like Reka Lelik, Reka Dombai and Virag Takacs-Kiss will get them back on track.
13. Latvia
Maybe a generous ranking with Slovenia and Netherlands in their First Round Group. But the one-two punch of Kitija Laksa and Anete Steinberga is potent and they will all be very motivated after missing out in 2025.
14. Great Britain
In theory, the Brits look like they could prosper from a generous First Round draw. They'll turn a page with new head coach Stella Kaltsidou and look to Temi Fagbenle, Holly Winterburn and in-form Sav Wilkinson to propel them.
15. Poland
Only just missing out last time, Poland showed signs of big improvements and with Steph Mavunga in situ and dominating, could the supporting cast step up and seal a return for the first time in more than a decade?
16. Finland
It's going to be a possibly rough ride for Finland, but the co-hosts can celebrate being back for the first time since 1987 and have big talents in Awak Kuier and Elina Aarnisalo for when they step out for the big show.
17. Croatia
With hopes of Nika Muhl making a long-awaited debut and some young players coming through who have talent and potential, could Croatia book a belated return? They should be contenders but need their best players on court.
18. Portugal
Buoyed by thje historical success of making the main event for the first time at the 2025 edition, Portugal can push for a repeat. But a lack of depth and a scoring punch might mean it's a close-run race and they just fall short.
19. Serbia
The post historic and glorious Marina Maljkovic era will be challenging for Milos Pavlovic. At least he's worked before with many of the newer generation in the youth teams. But will Serbia be squeezed out while in transition?
20. Bulgaria
Could Bulgaria be a dark horse having made people sit up and take notice with some of their work in the 2025 Qualifiers? They'll lean on Khaalia Hillsman being a beast inside and Borislava Hristova being a walking bucket.
21. Israel
Topping their First Round group looks like a lock for Israel, but will they land at the main event when balling in the Second Round as expected? Daniel Raber, Alyssa Baron and Abigail Meyers are likely to be the most influential.
22. Slovakia
Have we underestimated Slovakia? They have a good qualifying record in recent times despite missing 2025. If Terezia Palenikova and Ivana Jakubcova shine, maybe. A group with Poland, Romania and Cyprus holds few fears.
23. Netherlands
With some talented leaders and a positive showing in the 2025 Qualifiers, they might have hoped to end a 38-year wait. However, they will be cursing finding themselves in a First Round pool containing both Slovenia and Latvia.
24. Switzerland
Landing back at Final Round in 2025 after almost 70 years away, the Swiss will be eying a much quicker return. They should navigate the First Round, led by exciting rising star Lin Schwarz, but could struggle after this phase.
25. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Even with naturalized Kamiah Smalls, it might not be enough. The Galatasaray star should help them advance to the Second Round, but it will hinge on what the supporting cast can produce. alongside their new marquee baller.
26. Montenegro
Is it the end of a jaw-dropping run of eight editions in a row for the underdogs? Several veterans have stepped away, meaning Jelena Skerovic will have to make even more miracles than usual with those picking up the baton.
27. Ukraine
All eyes will be back on legendary scoring ace Alina Iagupova trying to drag her nation back to the main event for the first time since 2019. Miriam Uro-Nile will also be vital, but the over-reliance on Iagupova remains a concern.
28. Romania
No doubt expectant of beating Cyprus, nothing is for certain. The big issue is getting past Poland or Slovakia which will be difficult. The underrated Ana Virjoghe will be a rock, but who's bringing the noise needed in the backcourt?
29. Austria
New coach Jesper Sundberg will look to make a splash by making the Second Round. They have a chance if they see off Norway twice. Anja Fuchs-Robetin, Sina Hollerl and Sarah Sagerer are the players most likely to impress.
30. Luxembourg
It was agony for Luxembourg previously when they only just missed out on a historic first ever edition. Adding Amanda Cahill was a game-changer, but without the awesome Faith Ehi Etute it looks a long-shot they make it.
31. Ireland
With their centerpiece Claire Melia on the court, Ireland have a true go-to player of quality and a chance. They also have solid players around the forward, but the general lack of offensive firepower might see them missing out.
32. Iceland
Placed into a three-team group, it's a lot to ask Iceland to get wins against only Serbia and Portugal - even if the duo have their own issues. It's not impossible with ballers like the talented Sara Run Hinriksdottir, but unlikely.
33. Denmark
Navigating the First Round will have been a bonafide aim for Denmark. However, the fact that their incredible marquee star Maria Jespersen is on maternity leave for this first window leaves a void they simply can't fill.
34. North Macedonia
The matchups with Denmark look 50-50 on paper, but it's looking an unrealistic assignment to take something against Greece or Croatia. Even with team leader Andjelika Mitrashinovikj to fuel them and she'll be vital as usual.
35. Estonia
Much better than this ranking suggests and have caused upsets in previous years. Don't rule it out, but they have been placed in a 'Group of Death' with Slovenia, Latvia and Netherlands and that's why they're 34th.
36. Azerbaijan
Even with some talented naturalized choices in past Qualifiers, Azerbaijan have struggled to stay competitive in games and that same outcome looks more likely than not. Or, can they defy the doubters and cause a surprise?
37. Cyprus
Not accustomed to the rigorous challenge at this level compared to the more familiar FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries, it could be tough for Cyprus. But watch out for the talented Marissa Pangalos.
38. Norway
Newcomers for the first time in recent memory, it's going to be a big step up. However, they could have been drawn in a much worse group than Great Britain, Austria and Switzerland. Maybe they can compete better than expected.
Disclaimer: The Power Rankings are entirely subjective and are in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
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