Six must-watch Group Phase matchups in Brno

    4 min to read
    Preview
    Will there be joy for hosts Czechia who have a big game against Japan on opening day?

    With excitement building ahead of the big tip-off in Czechia, we've picked out some games you need to look out for.

    BRNO (Czechia) - The Group Phase of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 in Brno looks set to throw up plenty of action-packed and absorbing games.

    Let us know what you think and vote:

    Who will be crowned U19 Women's World Cup champions?

    With fixtures in the tournament schedule for Saturday 12, Sunday 13 and Tuesday 15 of July, every matchup will mean something as the lineup for the Round of 16 takes shape.

    But which matchups are the ones to put at the top of your watch-list? Here's the ones you really shouldn't miss!

    Group C: Australia vs Mali - Saturday July 12 (11:15 local / CET)

    All eyes will be fixed on Oummou Koumare of Mali who was MVP at U18 Women's AfroBasket 2024

    It's last year's U18 Asian Champs against the U18 African Champs to tip-us off and it's a great matchup to get the tournament rolling. Australia have a couple of big-hitters unavailable so could be vulnerable if Mali can find their highest gear. Their rise at U19 has been so impressive in the last decade or so and they will be disruptive, strong and aggressive. How will the Gems deal with it and can they make their skillful team concepts shine through? Watch out for Mali's Oummou Koumare, while for Australia, it could be Monique Bobongie and Bonnie Deas shining.

    Group D: Czechia vs Japan - Saturday July 12 (17:30 local / CET)

    The free-scoring Kokora Tanaka of Japan could be the player to break Czech hearts on opening day

    Any opening game for a host nation is special and it will be no different when Czechia take to the court for the first time in front of the home fans. That support will be vital as they look to make a winning start against a Japan team that will present them with a different challenge to what they are used to. They will be energetic, quick and eager to shoot the ball from long-range at any opportunity, led by the free-scoring Kokoro Tanaka. Meanwhile Czechia will look to get the ball in the post more and look to Emilie Brzonova for inspiration.

    Group A: Israel vs Hungary - Saturday July 12 (19:45 local / CET)

    Israel had an all-time best Semi-Finals place at U18 last year and are chasing more history

    Could history be happening for Israel at what is their first ever U19 Worlds outing? To rack up their maiden victory would be amazing, but even more special if they get it at the very first attempt. They go up against familiar opponents in European rivals Hungary although both teams dodged each other at U18 last year. Gal Raviv will be Israel's main attraction having taken her side to the Semi-Finals, while Hungary's team defense is their main asset.

    Group B: China vs Portugal - Sunday July 13 (11:15 local / CET)

    First-timers Portugal celebrated making the FIBA U19 Worlds for the first time

    Israel are not the only nation chasing rookie glory, since Portugal also have an opportunity to write themselves into history with their first success. They might have already attained that after a first day showdown with Canada, but the matchup with China looks to be absorbing. Both teams have big guns and superstars in the paint, so if Clara Silva plays for Portugal and Ziyu Zhang for China it oculd be sensational. Even if one of them is missing, lock it in!

    Group A: USA vs Israel - Tuesday July 15 (14:30 local / CET)

    Will Sienna Betts and Jazzy Davidson be moving through the gears for USA?

    Any game involving USA is intriguing - even if it won't serve up too much drama around the scoreline and tension in crunch time because of the champions' dominance. But it's great to figure out just how good this year's class is - compared to those that went before. And historically, by the end of the Group Phase, the holders should be clicking into gear nicely, meaning we can get a sense of who the leaders are going to be in the latest gold rush.

    Group C: Australia vs France - Tuesday July 15 (20:15 local / CET)

    High performing French guard Tea Cleante could be a baller to unlock the Gems

    What a way to finish the Group Phase! With a potential matchup to decide first spot in Group C from the two heavyweights who are likely to head into this competition as favorites to push for a podium place. France have named a superb roster that looks capable fo doing great things - including the likes of Ainhoa Risacher, Nell Angloma, Tea Cleante and Sarah Cisse. Will they outgun and outmuscle the Gems, or can Australia keep pace?

    You may also want to read this:

    Roster Tracker: Who's ready to step out at the FIBA U19 Worlds in Brno?

    FIBA

    FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025

    Website

    FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025

    Six must-watch Group Phase matchups in Brno

    Who will be crowned U19 Women's World Cup champions?

    Why your team can win: Part 2

    Join for an enhanced experience and custom features
    Register Now
    Social Media
    FIBA Partners
    Global Suppliers
    © Copyright FIBA All rights reserved. No portion of FIBA.basketball may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing FIBA.basketball pages, you agree to abide by FIBA.basketball terms and conditions