MUNICH (Germany) - The second FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers window is about to tip-off as the First Round play button is pushed once again in the pursuit of being crowned Continental champions next year.
Having started the way too early task of trying to predict who will make it to Final Round in Volume 1 of the Power Rankings, we're back with a freshly updated version.
There will be no fixtures involving co-hosts Lithuania, Belgium, Finland or Sweden during this window. Additionally, many European nations will be competing in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
Taking into account the all-important previous Qualifiers First Round results and performances, the latest squad announcements, permutations and other news, here's how FIBA women's basketball expert Paul Nilsen is calling it.
1. Belgium (-)
Qualifiers Record: 1-1 (Hosts group)
While tempting to drop the Cats down after a loss in Lithuania, the mitigation was having no Emma Meesseman or Julie Allemand. They're back for the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Wuhan with normal service likely restored.
2. Spain (-)
Qualifiers Record: N/A (World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments)
Heading to San Juan for the World Cup Qualifying Tournament, Spain have included Megan Gustafson. Alongside Raquel Carrera and Awa Fam, it's a frontcourt rotation pointing to another big Women's EuroBasket title tilt in 2027.
3. France (-)
Qualifiers Record: N/A (World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments)
It will still sting France they were fourth at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 - extending their title wait to 18 years. They'll now try to impress with a star-laden roster at the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne.
4. Germany (-)
Qualifiers Record: N/A (World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments)
The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 obviously takes priority as host nation, but the good news generally is that Nyara Sabally is back in situ, while Alexis Peterson and Frieda Buhner had epic EuroCup Women seasons.
5. Lithuania (+1)
Qualifiers Record: 2-0 (Hosts group)
Lithuania could be a force on home soil next year if they keep pulling out performances and victories like they did versus Belgium and Sweden. Laura Juskaite was excellent while the next generation were handed opportunities.
6. Italy (-1)
Qualifiers Record: N/A (World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments)
Don't worry Italy fans, the fall is only down to the rise of Lithuania. Plus, the immediate priority is navigating a tricky World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan before focusing back on this competition and maybe another medal.
7. Türkiye (-)
Qualifiers Record: N/A (World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments)
Preparing to host an upcoming World Cup Qualifying Tournament, a related decision could have a big bearing in the Second Round of this competition. Türkiye have replaced the naturalized Teaira McCowan with Kennedy Burke.
8. Czechia (+1)
Qualifiers Record: N/A (World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments)
Preparing for battle in the World Cup Qualifiers in Wuhan, that experience at the global level will only help their ability to ultimately come back to this competition and continue an impressive streak of Final Round appearances.
9. Hungary (+3)
Qualifiers Record: N/A (World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments)
Currently focused on a 'Group of Death' in Istanbul for the World Cup Qualifiers, their jump in these rankings are due more to others misfiring and falling. But let's just credit it to the fine EuroLeague Women form of Dorka Juhaz.
10. Poland (+5)
Qualifiers Record: 3-0
It's party time for perfect Poland and only complacency can deny them now. The towering Kamila Borkowska has been great, while Liliana Banaszak showed her teeth also. All this without needing huge input by Steph Mavunga.
11. Latvia (+2)
Qualifiers Record: 2-1
Top of the group, this home game against Slovenia looks critical without veteran Anete Steinberga. It means Kate Vilka and Kitija Laksa must keep them on course. Bottom of the steals chart, Latvia must step up defensive efforts.
12. Slovenia (-4)
Qualifiers Record: 2-1
The loss to Netherlands could have been a major disaster but a late rally that cut the deficit in half might be vital. They could yet slip up and the pressure is on Jessica Shepard, Teja Oblak, Eva Lisec and Zala Friskovec to deliver.
13. Bulgaria (+7)
Qualifiers Record: 3-0
Called a 'dark horse' before tip-off, a perfect Bulgaria are out of the shadows. Leading scorers in the tournament, they also have six players in double-digits for performance efficiency, led by the tough to stop Khaalia Hillsman.
14. Greece (-4)
Qualifiers Record: 2-1
It was a nightmare opening loss to Croatia. While winning their other games, Greece must lock-in throughout this window. Only Eleanna Christinaki and Artemis Spanou hit a high gear last time and the team must deliver more.
15. Sweden (-4)
Qualifiers Record: 0-2 (Hosts group)
A rankings drop had to be assigned and especially after losing to the Susiladies. It depends how you view actual results in this hosts' 'friendly' group, versus experimenting with new players and the longer-term positives of that.
16. Finland (-)
Qualifiers Record: 1-1 (Hosts group)
Signing off the first window with that fabulous derby win against their Scandic neighbors, it gives a confidence lift. While the limelight mostly goes to Awak Kuier, it's a great sign Sara Bejedi stepped up, as did young Lilli Onnela.
17. Serbia (+2)
Qualifiers Record: 2-0
Flawless so far for new coach Milos Pavlovic, they're the best two point shooting team. Although the worst from downtown, so work to do. Masa Jankovic has shone and it will be an interesting window without Yvonne Anderson.
18. Croatia (-1)
Qualifiers Record: 2-1
They've rode the highs and lows. The much anticipated return of Nika Muhl and a road win in Greece, then her injury and a shock loss to Denmark. Star baller Muhl should be back and they're buoyed by the form of Ana-Marija Begic.
19. Israel (+2)
Qualifiers Record: 3-0
Perfect but almost losing to Ireland, it's going to plan. Daniel Raber has been electrifying with fire a super average efficiency of 31. A difference maker has been cameos from Abi Meyers, Alyssa Baron and Dorian Dahan Sujic.
20. Austria (+9)
Qualifiers Record: 3-0
A barely believable fairytale, Jesper Sundberg and his team are one of only five unbeaten nations. The win against Great Britain was incredible. A team effort, but Sarah Sagerer, Alexia Allesch and Sigrid Koizar were all phenomenal.
21. Great Britain (-7)
Qualifiers Record: 2-1
Losing to Austria was one of the biggest FIBA Women's EuroBasket shocks in memory. Even if not a total disaster, it was typical of choppy waters - ones that have included the highly rated Stella Kaltsidou resigning as head coach.
22. Netherlands (+1)
Qualifiers Record: 2-1
A regulation win against Estonia was followed by a 27 point loss in Latvia. Amazingly, the response was beating Slovenia as Emese Hof showed out spectacularly. But will they regret winning by 10 after leading by more than 20?
23. Portugal (-5)
Qualifiers Record: 1-1
The games with Serbia are vital, but few could have anticipated a 26-point loss in game one. Especially off the back of their FIBA Women's EuroBasket debut. An improvement is needed and in particular, taking care of the ball.
24. Ukraine (+3)
Qualifiers Record: 2-1
Ending an eight-year wait to re-appear at the Final Round is in the balance. A big loss to Bulgaria was not ideal, but they still have a chance. Especially with twin towers Miriam Uro-Nile and Tetiana Yurkevichus as well as Alina Iagupova.
25. Slovakia (-3)
Qualifiers Record: 2-1
Perhaps a harsh fall as they did push Poland hard and win their other two games. But Poland on the road will be difficult. Kyra Lambert and Terezia Palenikova have led nicely but the supporting cast must also make noise too.
26. Luxembourg (+4)
Qualifiers Record: 2-1
Having only just fallen short of making a FIBA Women's EuroBasket debut in 2025, they are moving in the right direction again. They lead the rebounding chart, young Dionne Madjo has been stellar and opportunity is knocking.
27. Ireland (+4)
Qualifiers Record: 1-2
What a night when they beat Bosnia and Herzegovina - 54 places higher in the FIBA World Rankings. They almost toppled Israel too. Sarah Hickey and Claire Melia will want to continue the momentum of amazing first windows.
28. Montenegro (-2)
Qualifiers Record: 1-2
Is a near-miracle run of seven straight Final Round appearances ending? They lost close games to be fair, but even having super Natasha Mack wasn't sufficient. The emergence of rising star Jovana Savkovic was a real bright spot.
29. Switzerland (-5)
Qualifiers Record: 1-2
It was a disappointing first window for the 2025 Final Round debutantes. A big drop in rankings reflects not just losing to Austria and Great Britain, but losing big. Lin Schwarz impressed, but the team didn't shoot well enough.
30. Denmark (+3)
Qualifiers Record: 1-2
The one point loss in their opener to North Macedonia was a hammer blow, but what a way to bounce back with a stunning win in Croatia. Alberte Rimdal, Julianna Okosun and Sarah Mortensen have all been outstanding so far.
31. Romania (-3)
Qualifiers Record: 1-2
At face value, it's went to script in beating Cyprus and losing to Poland and Slovakia. But they labored for their win and were blown out in the other games. Katy Armanu has stood out, but really needs support in this next window.
32. North Macedonia (+2)
Qualifiers Record: 1-2
It's a deserved uplift after a thrilling win against Denmark. They shot the ball well from downtown and Andjelika Mitrashinovikj has an epic 9.7 assists per game. Merritt Hempe has also been great. But will they get another win?
33. Iceland (-1)
Qualifiers Record: 0-2
As expected, Sara Run Hinriksdottir did her best to fuel Iceland's first window, but her team didn't look capable of closing the gap on Serbia or Portugal. That means this second window could be something of a cut and paste.
34. Bosnia and Herzegovina (-9)
Qualifiers Record: 0-3
When you bring in a fabulous naturalized player like Kamiah Smalls and you still come up winless, that is a bit of a disaster. Her headline displays and the cameos of Dragana Domuzin are looking like not being enough to get wins.
35. Estonia (-)
Qualifiers Record: 0-3
Not even getting with 20 points of Netherlands, Slovenia or Latvia, it was a tough first window. In mitigation, it's a tough group, but more players need to shine. Only Mailis Pokk has a double-digit performance effiicency valuation.
36. Cyprus (+1)
Qualifiers Record: 0-3
They don't have victory on their record yet, but have given a positive impression to earn a modest rise of one place. Their three-punch of Eleni Pilakouta, Marissa Pangalos and Tijana Raca still gives them a shot at an upset win.
37. Norway (+1)
Qualifiers Record: 0-3
This might be a little harsh on Norway who fought hard and at least showed potential for growth - especially with team leader Stine Austgulen impressing. But they just don't have the collective offensive firepower that's needed.
38. Azerbaijan (-2)
Qualifiers Record: 0-3 Hoping to cause some upsets, Azerbaijan were off the pace with their very young team. Alexandra Mollenhauer did her best to inspire, while Polina Shchukina is a great young prospect, but getting a win seems highly unlikely.
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.
FIBA