Preview: Who will top each group of the First Round?

MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers First Round is ready to swing into action as 27 teams get ready to take to the floor in pursuit of a precious ticket to the second phase of the competition.

With an additional group containing the four co-hosts of the 2027 showpiece, there will be an array of star names on show across the first window - as well as exciting young guns and a deluge of compelling games to follow.

Read more about the Qualifiers.

Everything you need to know about the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers

When is the last time each nation reached the FIBA Women's EuroBasket?

Here's everything you need to know about the eight groups.

Group A

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg

None of the nations pitched into Group A made the 2025 edition, but in terms of 2027 it is Israel who look best placed with the most depth and talent. Bosnia and Herzegovina have turned to the naturalized Kamiah Smalls, Luxembourg only just missed out last time and Ireland might cause a surprise with their star center Claire Melia.

The favorite: Israel Key matchup: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Luxembourg The underdog: Ireland

The star: Daniel Raber (Israel) - The Olympiacos BC forward is an absolute rock and will likely flirt with a tournament double-double. Powerful, smart and a leader for Israel, she will be a standout for the group favorites. Rising Star: Joyce Isi Etute (Luxembourg) - With phenomenal numbers at youth level and with experience from the 2025 Qualifiers, the taletned forward could log a senior breakout this time around and be even more impactful.

Group B

Estonia, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovenia

A 'Group of Death' with Slovenia, Latvia and even a fully firing Netherlands all contenders for first place. Slovenia are favorites with Teja Oblak and Jessica Shepard to call upon, while Latvia have stars like Anete Steinberga and Kitija Laksa. Netherlands will rely on Emese Hof and Estonia will wonder what they have done to deserve this draw.

The favorite: Slovenia Key matchup: Latvia vs Netherlands The underdog: Estonia

The star: Teja Oblak (Slovenia) - The veteran class of the Galatasaray VCagdas Faktoring playmaker will be essential for Slovenia. Oblak will use her leadership and talent to help navigate a very tricky First Round group. Rising Star: Ajsa Sivka (Slovenia) - The teenager has already played at two editions of FIBA Women's EuroBasket and is a bonafide senior starter and contributor. Her size, versatility maturity and skills are a potent combination.

Group C

Cyprus, Poland, Romania, Slovakia

Poland came agonizingly close to making the Final Round for the first time in a decade in the last Qualifiers and will be confident with Steph Mavunga back on board. Slovakia have been regulars at the main show over the years and could challenge for top spot, while Romania are looking for improvements and Cyprus are massive underdogs.

The favorite: Poland Key matchup: Slovakia vs Romania The underdog: Cyprus

The star: Stephanie Mavunga (Poland) - A difference-maker in the last Qualifiers, it was the forward's production in points, rebounding and clutch play almost propelled Poland to glory. More of the same would be welcomed. Rising Star: Dominka Ullman (Poland) - The guard has contirbuted nicely for Lublin in the EuroLeague Women Qualifiers, EuroCup Women and domestically. Now she might get a chance to shine at senior level too.

Group D

Austria, Great Britain, Norway, Switzerland

Great Britain should fancy their chances to finish top, although will still need to bounce back from a disappointing showing at the 2025 edition. Switzerland celebrated reaching Final Round for the first time in almost 7 decades, so will want to bank a quicker return this time, while both Austria and Norway are the outsiders in pursuit of upsets

The favorite: Great Britain Key matchup: Austria vs Switzerland The underdog: Norway

The star: Temi Fagbenle (Great Britain) - A towering and imposing warrior for her country, the forward is captain for Great Britain and always leads by example. Her scoring and rebounding alongside her know-how will be vital. Rising Star: Lin Schwarz (Switzerland) - Integral to her team's long-awaited return to the main event, the do-it-all approach of Schwarz has caught the eye. She's also now producing nicely in EuroCup Women with Castors Braine.

Group E

Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Ukraine

It might be an epic battle for supremacy with Bulgaria slight favorites with the classy Borislava Hristova and Khaalia Hillsman to rely on. Montenegro are in transition with several veterans retiring, Ukraine are always a threat with the brilliant Alina Iagupova, while Azerbaijan are ranked 103rd in the world which reflects their prospects.

The favorite: Bulgaria Key matchup: Montenegro vs Ukraine The underdog: Azerbaijan

The star: Borislava Hristova (Bulgaria) - The Athinaikos Qualco guard is an exceptional scoring maching who might eventually get to play at her first Final Round. At least if she delivers as usual with her super offensive skills. Rising Star: Denitsa Manolova (Bulgaria) - A big contributor at youth level, the teenager may offer cameos in these Qualifiers that could be very important. She's a scorer and it would be a big bonus if she finds her range early.

Group F

Croatia, Denmark, Greece, North Macedonia

Greece will be labelled as favorites because of their quality options with Mariella Fasoula, Artemis Spanou, Eleanna Christinaki and Robyn Parks. Croatia will be confident if they get their big-hitters on the court, Denmark will miss the likely absent star baller Maria Jespersen, while North Macedonia will need Andjelika Mitrashinovikj to shine.

The favorite: Greece Key matchup: Croatia vs Greece The underdog: Denmark

The star: Mariella Fasoula (Greece) - If Greece are to land pole position then you can expect Fasoula to have a big hand in this. Her size, strength and skills will all the cause other teams a severe matchup headache on defense. Rising Star: Nina Novak (Croatia) - One of the players potentially ready to kick on at senior level, the guard impressed at U20 this past summer and has been adding to her experiences in EuroCup Women with Tresnjevka.

Group G

Iceland, Portugal, Serbia

There is a real familiar feel to Group G since Portugal and Serbia met in the 2025 Qualifiers with both advancing. The former will want to follow up on their first ever appearance, while Serbia are coming to terms with the end of an unprecedented era of success now that legendary head coach Marina Maljkovic has stepped down. As for Iceland, they will be the underdogs and will focus on staying competitive and potentially causing an upset - or two.

The favorite: Serbia Key matchup: Serbia vs Portugal The underdog: Iceland

The star: Yvonne Anderson (Serbia) - The veteran remains one of the best backcourt ballers on the Continent and with Anderson in situ and pulling the strings, Serbia should be confident of using her know-how to safely advance. Rising Star: Jovana Popovic (Serbia) - A brilliant young talent who lit it up at youth level before impressing at the 2025 edition on debut, the guard is primed to be one of the driving forces in Serbia's new post-Maljkovic chapter.

Group H (Hosts)

Belgium, Finland, Lithuania, Sweden

Even if qualification tickets are already assured, this pool still looks set to serve up some blockbuster matchups. Holders Belgium start a journey towards a potential third straight title and Lithuania will want to continue the momentum having made the Quarter-Finals at the last edition. Sweden were only just squeezed out of a place in the last eight of the competition, while Finland are ready to end their 46 year wait for a Final Round appearance.

The favorite: Belgium Key matchup: Lithuania vs Sweden The underdog: Finland

The star: Emma Meesseman (Belgium) - All eyes will be on the 2023 and 2025 TISSOT MVP as the forward looks to lead the Cats like always. With legendary status assured, what's going to be landing next on her stellar resume? Rising Star: Juste Jocyte (Lithuania) - It's stretching it to call the Lithuanian magician a rising star, since she's now a leader for club and country. Her scoring and creative talent is superb and she makes the game look so easy.

FIBA