BRNO (Czechia) - The curtain will soon be raised on the latest edition of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup and there are plenty of reasons to lock in and follow what promises to be another super edition of the tournament. We've put together a list of just some of the reasons you need to check out the action in Czechia between July 11 and 19 when a field of 16 teams from around the globe will come together in pursuit of glory.
1. Future senior superstars are stepping out
Down the years there has been a conveyor belt of ballers taking to the court at this event in what has inevitably been their very first global steps on the road to eventual senior stardom.
Those who tune in to this edition will undoubtedly have the thrill of once again seeing the sport's future big guns giving an early glimpse of their potential.
The names down the years have been awesome - including Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, Emma Meesseman, Xu Han and Ezi Magbegor.
2. Sapphires can sparkle a decade after silverware
While USA have been dominant in this competition since inception with six crowns in seven editions, Australia shocked the world exactly 10 years by making history with a maiden title in Zaragoza.
A decade on, could the Sapphires sparkle again? The U16 Asian champs arrive with bags of talent and might end up being USA's closest challengers.
3. Seeing just how amazing this USA team is
USA usually look like a bullet train that's left the station and nobody can catch it. Even if the case and they're on a one-way track to more silverware, it's always a thrill to see how the current crop stands up against previous USA teams. The trio of Ivanna Wilson Mayacka, Eve Long and Michah Ojo look so talented, but will they produce?
4. A Euro rising tide of Slovenia, Latvia and Germany
This trio are all making a noise in youth basketball right now. But with only four previous U17 appearances among all of them, they're still very much the new kids on the block in this competition.
But even if fresh-faced at the U17 Worlds, these countries all showed at U16 level they could be dark horses and contenders, as they have standout ballers who can rise up.
5. Be ready for record-breakers and history-makers
One of the most intriguing and entertaining elements is seeing records fall and history being made. This was no more evident than in Brno last year when records tumbled at the U19 Worlds. USA also smashed records at the last edition of U17, while there was history that included a first ever Final for Canada. What awaits us all in 2026?
6. A Côte d'Ivoire debut
The African side will proudly take to the court as the only debutantes at this year's edition, meaning even more of a focus on their maiden outing. Physically tough, but also with some talented players and leaders, they will cause headaches for opponents and showed potential in beating Mali in the Semis of FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025.
7. Spain's lockdown defense
The DNA of Spanish teams is as strong as ever! While watching spectacular shots made and beautiful dimes being dished fills the highlights reel, don't forget about giving love for work at the defensive end of the floor. No more so than for Spain, who had way over 100 steals at U16 and their intensity will see them turning up the heat on teams.
8. Some exciting sleepers will awaken
There are not only stars on must-watch lists because of amazing work at U16 tournaments last year, there's also the prospect of seeing ballers come alive on the global stage.
Some stellar talented players will have went under the radar in 2025, or just didn't find top gear. But watch some come alive and put themselves on the map!
9. A perfect blend of basketball styles
Every global FIBA youth tournament is a treat for every basketball fan as it will perfectly showcase a wonderful fusion of different styles. From the uber-athletic USA and Canada, to the inside-outside game of many Europeans, the downtown preference of Japan and Korea, plus many more styles in between. Yes, there'll be so much to love.
10. Looking out for the two-time ballers
There will be a handful of super talented players who are heading into their second edition of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026. That fact alone highlights just how talented they were to have played 'young' back in 2024. The list includes USA standout Ivanna Wilson Mayacka and Canadian ace Avery Arije.
FIBA