BRNO (Czechia) - The long wait is almost over as the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 prepares to swing into action on Saturday July 11 in Czechia.
With the tournament ready for tip-off, there's no better time to check in with the eagerly anticipated Volume 1 of the Smart Power Rankings.
16. Colombia
It's potentially going to be a struggle with limited offensive firepower and not having that one standout baller and match winner in their ranks, like so many of their peers have. However, Colombia will fight hard and try to make it scrappy and defensively focused.
If they can stick around in games, they might cause a shock down the stretch.
15. Côte d'Ivoire
A special feeling will be cascading through the veins of this year's sole debutantes as they take their historic first steps. However, their first global outing could prove a brutal experience against the cream of the crop when they open against USA.
But if they weather that storm and marquee star Jane Diomande finds top gear, who knows?
14. Egypt
The FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket 2025 champions will be in Brno to ball and show their teeth. They have some rebounding and size with Jodi Abdalla and Zeina Amin which will help anchor their campaign.
If U16 AfroBasket MVP and playmaker Fatma Abdella can up her production, then they could be the most interesting team to follow.
13. Mexico
If Mexico match or better this Power Ranking it will be their highest ever finish at the event and even if 13th is not spectacular, it would represent a step forward. Belen Velazquez is their centerpiece, but she can't do it alone and will need support.
They are going to have to shoot the three-ball well and box-out for their lives to be a success.
12. Czechia
With the noisy and passionate home support guaranteed, Czechia will be hoping they can respond and repay that faith with a strong campaign. On paper at least, it looks tricky and they will need to turn up the dial after a mediocre U16 display last year.
Dominika Pencakova and Ema Novakova look most likely to fuel the team's efforts.
11. Italy
Italy might feel this ranking is harsh after winning five of seven games at the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket and there's every chance they will defy this prediction. But much of this was down to doubts over the participation of talented center Isabel Hassan.
If available, they will rise and if not, there's much to do to fill this significant void.
10. China
Arguably the most unpredictable nation to predict because they didn't grab their usual medal at U16 Women's Asia Cup last year, China could be anything in this competition.
They have a future senior team candidate in Yuanshan Li, while Hanyun Sun is also someone who can have those dreams. Will anyone else come up big in Brno?
9. Latvia
A super run to the U16 Women's EuroBasket Semi-Finals have elevated expectations at this tournament, but they could also just miss out on the top eight.
With All-Star Five member Sindija Sondore rehabbing, Sarlote Skrebele must catch fire and it's good news several injured ballers who missed U16 are back to strengthen the roster.
8. Japan
A treat to watch at U16 even if they missed the Final, they will be a really dangerous opponent in this competition.
There is a lot of expectation on the shoulders of the super Miya Takeuchi, but Japan's success, or otherwise, will also be determined by improved three-point shooting from the whole team and turning up the defensive pressure.
7. New Zealand
After three consecutive 12th place finishes, opportunity knocks. Buoyed by an unexpected first ever U16 Women's Asia Cup Final, they tip-off in Brno in a wide open group.
Emilia Ainley and Shamar Broughton will write headlines but look out for the influence of Ava Jones and Sienna Maurice as New Zealand try to record their best ever finish.
6. Germany
Stick the dark horse label on Germany. While some might think they over-achieved with an U16 bronze, if they click in Brno, big things could happen. They will have to play well to challenge, but do have a strong core to rely on with the likes of Mia Weigand, Carla Koch and Darina Zraychenko.
Plus, they also shoot really well from long-range.
5. Slovenia
Riding the high of a first U16 podium and Final appearance, the number of top prospects is eye-catching. Veronika Ferjancic, Ota Pozin, Hana Jerkovic lead the way, but younger ones like Anais Gobec have super high ceilings.
Slovenia did it as a team last year with no dominant scorers. If they play well, could they even pick up a medal?
4. Canada
Having recorded their historic maiden U17 Final appearance in 2024, Canada would love to book a repeat and that is not out of the question. They should still challenge for the podium as they have power in the paint and on the glass.
Avery Arije will bring the noise offensively, with Ashley Vande Ven and Pippa Gibb also likely be team leaders.
3. Spain
With their intense approach on both ends of the floor, U16 Women's EuroBasket champions Spain are a quality outfit looking for another medal to add to their resume.
Defensively they'll swarm all over opponents and look for transition and ball movement to sweep teams aside. Also, every player on the roster can add scoring contributions.
2. Australia
It's 10 years since they were crowned winners of the competition. This group of Sapphires looks like it could perform highly, with a nice combination of inside-outside strengths.
The noise around big-hitters like Madison Ryan, Isabel Smith and Marianela Fakalata is well founded, but Australia have many more ballers also ready to light it up.
1. USA
Death, taxes and USA heading into a FIBA youth tournament as favorites. The reigning champions should add to their stunning legacy and are still the team to beat. They have a devastating scoring punch, physical prowess and athleticism, amazing bench depth and standout leaders who will be in the MVP race.
Can anyone even get close? Disclaimer: The Smart Power Rankings is not an official statement from FIBA. It is created solely to enhance the experience of the fans following the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026.
FIBA