Lineup confirmed for FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 in Istanbul

JANUARY 29, 2026

ISTANBUL (Türkiye) - The path to the trophy for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 has been determined as the groups for the eighth edition of the event were confirmed in Thursday's draw.

The 16 teams were divided into four groups of four teams each.

The results of the draw are as follows:

Group A: Italy, USA, France and Japan

Group B: Cameroon, Canada, Lithuania and China

Group C: New Zealand, Slovenia, Puerto Rico and Türkiye

Group D: Venezuela, Australia, Serbia and Côte d'Ivoire

All 16 teams participating in the event will advance to the competition's Final Phase with a single-elimination format in place from the Round of 16 onwards.

The teams from Group A will face teams from Group B, based on standings within these groups (1st vs 4th - 2nd vs 3rd) and teams from Group C will face teams from Group D.

Defending champions USA have never missed the FIBA U17 World Cup and have never lost a game with seven straight undefeated titles starting in 2010.

The draw was performed by Turkish Basketball Federation Vice President Harun Erdenay and former national team hero and FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup Ambassador Semih Erden.

Deputy Chair of the FIBA Competition Sub Commission, Youth National Teams, Peter Bodnar attended the event.

The 2026 edition of the tournament will take place from June 27 - July 5 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Information and photo source : FIBA