The FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers are about to get underway, providing an excellent opportunity for teams that fell short in the 2027 Qualifiers to bounce back.
A total of 10 national teams have been drawn into one group of four and two groups of three teams. Played in a round-robin format, the matchups will take place during two windows in November 2026 and February 2027.
The winner of each group will advance to the Pre-Qualifiers Second Round, which will take place in June 2027. One of those three teams will then secure a ticket to the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2029 Qualifiers Second Round.
Here's our preview of what is set to be an absorbing race, with the full game schedule available here.
Group A
Azerbaijan, Iceland, Ireland, Switzerland
It looks destined to be the most competitive and exciting group, with four nations going up against each other and little to choose between the leading contenders. There is every chance Switzerland could push for pole position under new head coach Stephanie Leite, if Lin Schwarz is firing.
Iceland could shade it too, with Sara Run Hinriksdottir always tough to slow down, while Ireland know they can rely on Hazel Finn and Sarah Hickey for inspiration. Azerbaijan look destined to be the underdogs in this pool.
The favorite: Switzerland Key matchup: Ireland vs Iceland The underdog: Azerbaijan
The star: Lin Schwarz (Switzerland)
Key question: Will this be about who gets off to the best start and can apply pressure to the other teams? Notably, Iceland will play Ireland and Switzerland in their opening two games, with the results potentially having a big bearing on how this tight-looking group unfolds.
Group B
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Norway
Bosnia and Herzegovina can pin their hopes on their brilliant naturalized guard Kamiah Smalls, who will be their driving force, although look out for Dragana Domuzin and Sara Heljic-Camdzic.
Cyprus will have the double punch of Marissa Pangalos and Eleni Pilakouta, who can both be game-winners on their day. Norway will be underdogs since they might struggle offensively to keep pace with their opponents, but Karyn Sanford and Stine Austgulen have enough between them to keep their country competitive.
The favorite: Bosnia and Herzegovina Key matchup: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Cyprus The underdog: Norway
The star: Kamiah Smalls (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Key question: Much could hinge on Bosnia and Herzegovina's supporting cast. Can they come up with the cameos needed to support the headline performances likely to be delivered by star baller Kamiah Smalls?
Group C
Estonia, North Macedonia, Romania
Romania picked up two wins in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers First Round, although both were against fellow strugglers Cyprus. They will rely on Ana Virjoghe, Bianca Fota and Katy Armanu.
Estonia have not won in some time, but can't be discounted with talented players like Anna Gret Asi and Kadri-Ann Lass. North Macedonia beat a talented Denmark a year ago but are entering a new and challenging era built on youth, with the likes of Merritt Hempe, Ilina Selcova and Ivana Kmetovska all retiring from national team duties.
The favorite: Romania Key matchup: Estonia vs Romania The underdog: North Macedonia
The star: Anna Gret-Asi (Estonia)
Key question: On paper at least, taking into account their respective First Round campaigns, there isn't much to choose between these three nations. Consequently, will it come down to which teams find their shooting touch and rhythm first?
FIBA