KIGALI (Rwanda) - Not that these teams haven't experienced an international competition before, but bringing together eight national teams from different parts of the globe to compete in the heart of the African continent was genius idea.
Here's a look at how Group C could unfold.
The Favorite: Hungary
Arriving in Kigali after missing the Paris Olympics train by a whisker has only made Hungary hungrier than ever before.
But the strongest facts that make Hungary a frontrunner in Group C include the team's consistency and continuity over the last year and half. Eight of the twelve players shortlisted for Kigali have played at Women's EuroBasket 2023 and the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament held on home soil early this year.
Since finishing fourth at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023, Hungary recorded 4 wins in 9 games against some top opposition. And in the build-up to the Kigali showpiece, Hungary shared a win apiece with Czechia during a two-game scrimmage last week.
The Underdog: Philippines
It's not just the fact Philippines appear as the second lowest-ranked team - only above hosts Rwanda - but the also fact taking on juggernauts Brazil, Senegal and Hungary appears as an uphill task for the Filipinas.
The Pivotal Game: Hungary vs Senegal
The Kigali World Cup Qualifiers couldn't have offered a better mouth-watering clash on GameDay 1 to get things underway.
Hungary and Senegal have never faced each other in any competition, but judging by the quality of both rosters and coaching staff, these two teams look strong enough to secure the top two spots of the group.
Senegal brought in former coach Otis Hughley Jr., who led Nigeria to back-to-back Women's AfroBasket titles in 2019 and 2021, and made sure to keep playmaker Cierra Dillard add some fresh legs to their lineup.
Remember Senegal's most famous win at FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018?
The Open Question: Can there be an upset?
Obviously a basketball game isn't over until it's over. Over the years, we've witnessed some incredible comebacks, which raises the question whether or not there will be an upset in Group C. It's possible, especially if Brazil and Philippines come up some with some secret weapons.
Brazil won't count with the services of dependable Damiris Dantas nor will they count on WNBA 2024 first round pick Kamilla Cardoso , who would have made a tremendous difference for the South Americans.
More?
Don't forget to check the rosters for: Brazil, Hungary, Philippines, and Senegal.
FIBA