MUNICH (Germany) - Punching a ticket to the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 will bring joy to the fans and players of every nation, but there might just be an extra special feeling for those countries that have endured a long wait to make the flagship event. Including several past winners of the famous competition, as well as teams looking to join the top table on the continent for the very first time, there are 13 nations who missed out on the 2023 event and are still in contention to make the 2025 edition.
For some of them, the wait has been much, much longer than that, though.
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Former champions
There are three former champions who could potentially make it and in the case of Lithuania and Poland, it's particularly fascinating. They face each other in Group C and the winner of the contest might just make it, with the loser probably left to face the reality of their wait being extended even further. The similarities between both nations are striking, with their last appearances coming exactly a decade ago. They also previously won silverware just two years apart, each inspired by FIBA Hall of Fame members. Lithuania won the competition back in 1997 with Jurgita Streimikyte-Virbickiene, while Poland topped the podium at the following edition on home soil, inspired by Margo Dydek. Bulgaria have a bit more to do as they sit in last place in Group B, so they are not likely to advance. However if a near miracle did occur it would end a wait of 32 years and would come 67 years after they lifted the coveted trophy in 1958.
Long waits
Switzerland, Finland and Netherlands are just about alive in the battle to advance, although the trio have a lot of work to do if they want to end their respective long waits.
The Swiss have not featured for almost seven decades, last appearing way back in 1956, but a couple of Group H wins in this window and that could all change.
Finland are in third place in Group B and still dreaming big. It was 1987 when they last appeared and must complete an unlikely win double on the road in Hungary and Slovenia.
Netherlands last featured in 1989 and will look to win at home to Croatia in Group A, before taking down powerhouse Spain which will be an impressive feat.
First-timers
Luxembourg and Portugal are the two nations who look to have the best opportunity to write a new name on the list of participants at Final Round . The former are looking to complete a fairytale in Group H and with a 3-1 record, they have an incredible chance of advancing. The task for Portugal is that they have to beat both Ukraine and Serbia in Group G, but at least both games are on their own floor and with local support, making history looks enticing.
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