MUNICH (Germany) - The first stage of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 will see a total of 24 games taking place in four cities and in four different countries.
We've scanned the schedule in Bologna, Italy; Brno, Czechia; Hamburg, Germany; and Piraeus in Greece to pull out some of the encounters that look simply unmissable.
The games will be played across five days, with Group Phase action taking place between Wednesday, June 18 and Sunday, June 22.
The full list of fixtures and tip-off times are available here.
Now for the 10 games that you just can't miss.
Slovenia vs Lithuania
Time: Wednesday, June 18 - 17:30 CET Venue: Bologna, PalaDozza (ITA)
It's always a pressure situation when you step out for the first game a major tournament and this one looks to be crunch. That's because both teams seem to be well matched and Group B is being talked about as a 'Group of Death' with no clear favorites to advance.
Slovenia transformed their fortunes in the Qualifiers with the addition of Jessica Shepard and the naturalized star will be pivotal - as will recently crowned EuroLeague Women champion and captain, Teja Oblak. Lithuania return after a decade away from the top table and will be looking to Juste Jocyte and Laura Juskaite for inspiration.
Serbia vs Italy
Time: Wednesday, June 18 - 21:00 CET Venue: Bologna, PalaDozza (ITA)
There also looks to be very little between Serbia and tournament co-hosts Italy in the other Group B opener. The home support will be vital in Bologna, while two-time champions Serbia are looking to prove some doubters wrong and show that rumors of their demise as a power on this tage have been overstated.
Serbia will lean on their backcourt combo Yvonne Anderson and Jovana Nogic to see them through. Italy will have their own star guards in Cecilia Zandalasini and rising star Matilde Villa. Depth could be a difference-maker and it looks like Italy could have the edge of the bench in the wake of multiple players having retired for Serbia this year.
France vs Greece
Time: Thursday, June 19 - 19:30 CET Venue: Piraeus, Peace and Friendship Stadium (FRA)
Is there any stopping France on what many feel is an inevitable path towards the top step of the podium? The favorites will be expected to emerge from their Group A with a perfect record and will have to stand firm against the home supporters and underdogs Greece who will look to knock the French team out of their stride.
It could be a brutally physical but intriguing battle and that will suit Greek forward Artemis Spanou who plays her basketball in France. Working in tandem with Mariella Fasoula, they will try to take the game to the star-studded France, who will reply in the paint with standouts like Iliana Rupert, Dominique Malonga and Janelle Salaun.
Belgium vs Portugal
Time: Thursday, June 19 - 20:15 CET Venue: Brno, Starez Arena Vodova (CZE)
What an incredible occasion it will be when Portugal finally end their long wait to make their FIBA Women's EuroBasket debut. And, what a test it will be as they come up against reigning champions Belgium who will be eager not to be on the wrong end of a historical result as they tip-off their title defense.
All eyes will be on 2023 MVP Emma Meesseman and her teammates. If Portugal are to pull off a major upset, they'll do it through teamwork - although the likes of veteran guard Marcia Da Costa can often deliver in the clutch. But can Portugal really stay in this game until the closing stages?
Sweden vs Great Britain
Time: Friday, June 20 - 17:15 CET Venue: Hamburg, Inselpark Arena (GER)
The sense of deja vu for this Group D clash will be seriously strong, since both nations are re-united promptly after being pitched together in the same group during the Qualifiers. The unbeaten Sweden won twice against their rivals, but both were close games and this time, it could be a case of Great Britain making it third time lucky.
If the Brits are to extract revenge, they must find a way to slow down Swedish ace Klara Lundquist who was unreal in the Qualifiers. The guard's eye-popping displays and numbers paced her team's superb run. Meanwhile Great Britain head coach Anna Montanana will be hoping captain Temi Fagbenle is a tower of strength under the hoop.
Spain vs Germany
Time: Friday, June 20 - 20:00 CET Venue: Hamburg, Inselpark Arena (GER)
With both teams tipped to be the most likely Group D winners, this meeting surely has to be slated as being one of the best games of the opening phase and if it goes as expected, could determine who finishes top of the pile. Spain made the Final two years ago of course, while Germany are ready to make history by pushing for the podium.
Iyana Martin Carrion was named the EuroLeague Women Young Player of the Year and could now make a name for herself on the national team stage, while Raquel Carrera will also be one to watch in the Spanish lineup. Germany also have Frieda Buhner as a rising star while the likes of Leonie Fiebich and Alexis Peterson will be leaders again.
Slovenia vs Serbia
Time: Saturday, June 21 - 17:30 CET Venue: Bologna, PalaDozza (ITA)
Any derby game is special, but this could be a blockbuster of epic proportions as the Balkan rivals face up to each other with potential qualification on the line. The last day of action in a tough to call Group B, every scenario is truly possible for this one and that will only turn up the levels of excitement, tension and of course, anticipation.
Serbia's renowned defense will likely be vital for their chances and they will look to lock down their opponents. But could it be someone on the Slovenia team like Zala Friscovec that has the capacity to shoot her team to the win by making it rain from downtown? This one already has an air of derby drama hanging over it!
Greece vs Türkiye
Time: Saturday, June 21 - 19:30 CET Venue: Piraeus, Peace and Friendship Stadium (GRE)
A famous rivalry will be re-ignited when these two nations engage in what many feel could be the most pivotal game of the entire Group stage. Greece are going to have to overperform to realise their dream of making the Quarter-Finals and pushing for a spot in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
Türkiye are likely to be slight favorites because of their world ranking, experience and the fact that they have the towering frame of Teaira McCowan to call upon. But what happens if Greece can execute a strategy to slow down their opponents' marquee star under the basket? Will Türkiye have a Plan B?
Belgium vs Czechia
Time: Sunday, June 22 - 17:30 CET Venue: Brno, Starez Arena Vodova (CZE)
Although women's basketball is so often deliciously unpredictable, if Group C pans out as the form book might suggest, then this clash could be for the number one spot. Both nations could well have taken care of both Portugal and Montenegro - and if they haven't, then this just means even more importance on the game.
The Cats have their new head coach Mike Thibault at the helm and while a veteran playcaller like few others, this will still be his first experience of the tournament. As for Czechia, will they have enough in the tank to match and outlast the holders? Their best chance could come from frontcourt duo Emma Cechova and Julia Reisingerova.
Montenegro vs Portugal
Time: Sunday, June 22 - 20:15 CET Venue: Brno, Starez Arena Vodova (CZE)
Will either of these nations step onto the court in the last day in Brno with a win (or two) to their name? If one of them has managed this, it could be that another victory catapults them into the Quarter-Finals. Meanwhile even if Portugal are still empty-handed and can't progress, they will still be craving what would be a historic first ever win.
The power and athleticism of Natasha Mack might be the thing that fuels Montenegro to the last eight as they look to continue punching way above their weight, while Portugal certainly has a vacancy for a hero or two to emerge.
FIBA