MIES (Switzerland) - Some people might overlook Group C at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026, but it features two of the top four finishers from the 2024 edition.
Hosts Türkiye grabbed third place in 2024 while New Zealand grabbed a historic fourth place two years ago.
Don't forget a Slovenia team that looks to continue the country's recent rise on the global youth stages and Puerto Rico, who took third in the 2018 edition and have never missed the Quarter-Finals when they play at a U17 World Cup.
The Favorite: Türkiye
Slovenia may have finished third at the U16 EuroBasket and Türkiye took seventh, but Slovenia beat Latvia in the Quarter-Finals and Türkiye lost to eventual champs Serbia at the same stage. Türkiye also have traditionally performed very well in front of their home fans.
The Underdog: New Zealand
New Zealand will probably be disappointed to be considered the underdog after reaching the Semi-Finals two years ago in Istanbul. But this is a different generation and Puerto Rico probably have the best player between those two teams with DJ Gaines.
The Pivotal Game: Puerto Rico v New Zealand
With Slovenia and Türkiye the other two teams in the group, Puerto Rico and New Zealand will likely be facing off on Day 2 to avoid last place in the group - though both teams at that point could also be looking to confirm a surprise in the opening game.
More
Looking for more about the teams in Group C, don't forget to check the pieces introducing the 16 participating nations as well as these, on why each team can win the tournament.
FIBA