BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and China will represent Asia in the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Czechia.
The four accomplished as much after advancing to the Semi-Finals of the FIBA U16 Women Asia's Cup at the Karisma Arena in Seremban, Malaysia.
Australia and Japan were the first two to qualify after clinching the top spots of Groups A and B, respectively, by winning all of their three games.
Also the continental meet's defending three-time champions, Australia were the first to move on after a 126-46 rout of Chinese Taipei last Wednesday. Japan then followed suit after beating New Zealand, 76-72.
New Zealand and China claimed their tickets by taking care of their respective opponents in the Qualification to Semi-Finals on Friday.
New Zealand became the third team to advance following a 74-70 escape at the hands of Chinese Taipei, and China would complete the four-team ensemble with an 82-50 victory over the Philippines.
Australia, Japan, and New Zealand are headed to the U17 Women's World Cup for the eighth time in as many editions of the biennial global contest. China, meanwhile, will be back for the first time since 2018.
For now, though, all four will turn their attention to the U16 Women's Asia Cup Semi-Finals on Saturday.
Australia will put their bid of winning the gold for an unprecedented fourth time on the line against China at 16:30 local time, while Japan will look to keep their Final streak going versus New Zealand at 19:00.
A classification game for fifth place will also be held before the Semi-Finals, with Chinese Taipei and the Philippines squaring off at 14:00 local time.
FIBA