Smart Power Rankings Vol. 1: Where is your team?

Smart Power Rankings Vol. 1 places each nation’s outlook for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 as the tournament approaches in Istanbul, Türkiye. Tip-off is set for Saturday, June 27, with 16 teams preparing after months of discussion about top players and squads. The opening volume begins ranking teams from 16 downward, starting with Japan, which is described as facing a difficult path in group games versus Italy, USA and France due to limited size and firepower. Venezuela is noted for an opportunity in its first match against Côte d’Ivoire to potentially make history in its opener. Côte d’Ivoire arrives as African champions but is said to have struggled with shooting efficiency at U16 AfroBasket 2025, plus averaging 20.5 turnovers per game, which could affect results. China is highlighted as being well prepared through warm-ups, with a test expected for a quarter-final berth against one of France, Italy or USA.