BRNO (Czechia) - There will be some brilliant matchups in Group C of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 with history-makers Slovenia looking most likely to set the pace.
They reached their first ever U16 Final last year and they were joined in the group by fellow Europeans and host nation, Czechia who will look to raise their levels to make what would be a fairytale run to the latter stages.
Japan finished third in the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025 and have the potential to blast teams off the floor, while Colombia will play with freedom knowing there will be few expectations for them to make a big impact.
The Favorite: Slovenia
Having taken a maiden U16 medal, that momentum alone, along with some top class prospects should see Slovenia making a big impression in this group. They play super smart basketball and have multiple game-winners in waiting.
Even if U16 All-Star Five members Veronica Ferjancic and Ota Pozin deservedly grabbed the plaudits, they are not the only players who can fuel a deep run in this competition. Watch out for 2011 born rising star Anais Gobec.
The Underdog: Colombia
This could prove to be an uphill struggle for Colombia who might not have the scoring punch to keep pace with their group rivals in this first phase. Finishing in fourth place at the FIBA U16 Women's AmeriCup 2025, they did so averaging just 42.2 points per outing and slipped to defeat in four of their six games.
However, they will have zero pressure on their shoulders and should relish the task of springing a surprise. They also don't overly rely on one marquee baller, so it will be a real team effort on Czech soil.
The Pivotal Game: Czechia vs Japan
The hosts will try to feed off the energy of the locals in Brno to get what could be a vital and precious success against Japan. In a real clash of styles, the European side are going to have to shoot the ball well and counteract the quickness and intensity of their opponents.
With FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup MVP, Miya Takeuchi to call upon, Japan will be the favorites in this one, but it could also hinge on what their Plan B is, should their star baller miss a beat.
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Looking for more about the teams in the Group? Don't forget to check our other pieces telling you more about each nation's prospects.
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