BRNO (Czechia) - With four nations from four different Continents, there's an even stronger global feel to Group D of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, and also a palpable air of unpredictability.
Two years after making the Final for the first time in their history, Canada are back and looking to build a podium streak. Egypt arrive after a note of history too, having been crowned FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket 2025 champions.
The theme of recent success is also continued by New Zealand who reached the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup Final for the first time 12 months ago. Meanwhile Italy are always well prepared and capable of causing problems for whoever they face.
The Favorite: Canada
Two years after their historic accomplishment of a first U17 Worlds silver medal - can Canada strive to make an early statement that they are capable of matching their landmark 2024 achievement? If they do, then it is likely to be Avery Arije who inspires them.
She was actually part of that momentous Final appearance in Leon, Mexico and returns for a rare second edition. Canada will also rely heavily on their collective physical strength on the glass which saw them grab a staggering 56.8 boards per game at U16 last year - the best in the tournament.
The Underdog: Egypt
It's probably controversial to have the FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket champions labelled as underdogs, but it's such an unpredictable and wide-open group. Consequently, it would be no surprise at all if Egypt shredded this status and didn't finish in fourth place.
This group of history-makers have shown they can produce and with Zeina Amin, Fatma Abdella and Leila Eissa on board, they have a trio who could impress on this bigger stage in Brno.
The Pivotal Game: New Zealand vs Italy
This looks so difficult to predict, but only adds to the fascination. Both teams have reasons to be very optimistic, but also wary too. New Zealand will draw on their fabulous duo of Shamar Broughton and Emilia Ainley to get them over the line.
Italy didn't manage to push for the podium at U16 last year and had to be satisfied with sixth place, but they will offer strong defense and be tough to play against. It's just one of many hugely important clashes in Group D.
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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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