MUNICH (Germany) - As excitement builds around the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers, we've taken a glance in the rear view mirror and picked out some of the magical moments that lit up the last Qualifiers.
There was so much to love about the race to make the big show in 2025 and if the upcoming Qualifiers are anything like the last set, then fans are in for an absolute treat.
Poland shocking reigning champs on opening night
In the very first game of the 2025 Qualifiers, we were put on notice that nobody (even the holders), could take anything for granted. It was supposed to be a glorious homecoming for the 2023 first-time champs, but Poland spoiled the party.
The Cats tipped off their title defense with a shock loss in front of a sold out crowd. It underlined the super competitive nature of the Qualifiers and that on any give night, anyone can beat anyone (well almost!). Even if the Cats did get back on track, they also ended up losing in Lithuania and having to work hard to get their ticket.
Meesseman's crazy 56 EFF performance
It didn't take long for Belgium to bounce back as 2023 MVP Emma Meesseman lit it up against Azerbaijan, with a mind-blowing performance efficiency valuation of 56.
She harvested 31 points from a sensational 15 of 16 shooting effort, plus 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks. She was helped by a stunning 14 assists from Julie Vanloo.
Of course that was one step closer to ensuring that not only would the Cats get rolling and qualify, but would ultimately cling on to their precious crown. The forward would then of course make history as the first ever baller to pick up consecutive FIBA Women's EuroBasket MVP accolades.
Switzerland ending 69 years of waiting
Heading into the last Qualifiers, the last time that Switzerland had featured at FIBA Women's EuroBasket Final Round was in 1956. So, when they lost at home to Luxembourg in the first game, then were trashed by Montenegro, the offs of them somehow recovering from 0-2 and ending their epic drought were astronmical.
Therefore it was all the more incredible that they ended up finishing their campaign with a Cinderella story being written. With four wins in a row, they ended a near seven decade wait to rejoin the top table on the Continent. And even if they didn't ultimately record a win in Pireaus at the main event, the step they took in making it was huge.
Portugal punching their maiden ticket
If waiting for almost 70 years to return felt like a long time, Portugal had never managed to clinch a place at the big show. But, that would all change in a dramatic roller-coaster which would see their chances hanging in the balance heading into the very last game of the Qualifiers. The tension was unbearable, but the home support ready.
Needing a win to be sure, Portugal were facing two-time champions Serbia. Despite this, they still managed to write history after shutting down their opponents with a super performance. It was one that led to legendary and iconic celebrations on the buzzer, prior to making more history at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 with a first win.
Rising stars: The Jocyte effect
The number of dynamic and exciting young guns who made a noise in the last Qualifiers showed the competition is future proof and provides a great platform to shine. This was no better evidenced than the impact of Lithuanian rising star Juste 'Magic' Jocyte who propelled her team to their first Final Round appearance in 10 years.
Then, when she did make it to the main event, Jocyte continued to produce her brilliance. That cemented her status as a leader ahead of time and also thrust her even further into the spotlight as she won the inaugural FIBA Women's EuroBasket Rising Star honor.
FIBA