Preview: Who are the favorites in each group?

MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers are about to drop and so it's time to check out who could shine and who could struggle when the action gets underway.

In this last and final part of our preview of the qualifying campaign, we complete the set by covering Groups G-I,  following on from our look at Groups A-C and D-F.

You can also check out the competition system by clicking HERE and find out when each nation last qualified successfully by clicking HERE.

Group A: Spain, Croatia, Netherlands, Austria

Spain are being tipped to go unbeaten and have an array of leading lights such as Alba Torrens, Maria Conde, Maite Cazorla and Raquel Carrera. They were the runners-up at the 2023 edition of the Final Round earlier this summer.

Croatia are without the influential and injured Ana-Marija Begic, while question marks usually hang over the participation of their best baller, Ivana Dojkic too. Patricia Bura could be one of the key performers.

Netherlands might just fancy their chances of ending their 35 years away if they can harness two EuroLeague Women ballers in Emese Hof and Laura Cornelius to get the job done.

As for Austria, they are taking baby steps at this level having fleeted in and out of Qualifiers in past years. But they beat Denmark last time and need to be respected. Look out for the likes of Anja Fuchs-Robetin and and Sigrid Koizar. 

The favorite: Spain are seriously massive favorites.
Key matchup: Croatia v Netherlands since both teams will be hoping they can clinch a runners-up spot.
The underdog: Austria have it all to do, although the draw could have been worse.

The star: Maria Conde (Spain) looks like she may have some unfinished business in a national team vest and she could be the one that comes through to headline this campaign. Conde has it all, but is yet to play her best basketball for Spain and it feels like this could be her time to cement her spot as a leader.

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	CURRENT POINTS
4.	Spain	1.	662.1
36.	Croatia	19.	206.7
50.	Netherlands	24.	146.9
85.	Austria	39.	76.3

Group B: Hungary, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Finland

These are heady times for Hungary who made the Semi-Finals at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 - their best result since 1997. They will want to keep that momentum going and have a deep and talented squad to do exactly that - albeit with one eye on the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in February.

Bernadett Hatar, Cyesha Goree, Reka Lelik and Virag Kiss are just some of the names ready to shine for their nation once again.

Slovenia could find it difficult to qualify with what is a very young and inexperienced squad. That's because they are without their leader and the stellar talented playmaker Teja Oblak who is out injured. There will be a huge onus on Eva Lisec and Zala Friskovec in particular to step up and get the job done.

Meanwhile, Finland haven't qualified since the 1980s, but have some outstanding young players like Elina Aarnisalo coming through to join the sensational Awak Kuier who is already a leader at 22 years old. 

Bulgaria used to be a European power but you have to push the rewind button more than three decades for the last time they made the jump to Final Round. They could struggle again, with much of their hopes resting on Borislava Hristova who is their centerpiece.

The favorite: Hungary have the opportunity and players to be first, but only with a newfound killer mentality.
Key matchup: Slovenia and Finland could be interesting and a fight for runners-up spot if the former struggles without Oblak. Finland have not had good results in recent years but it feels they could be ready to rise up.
The underdog: Bulgaria might cause an upset and are always competitive, but they could be off the pace.

The star: Awak Kuier (Finland) - An absolute beast in the paint, the athleticism of the Susiladies forward is amazing. She is a prolific shot-blocker, can dunk and was sensational in the 2023 Qualifiers. With even more experience under her belt now including honing her skills with Umana Reyer Venice, she should be fun to watch in these games.

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	CURRENT POINTS
19.	Hungary	9.	342.5
26.	Slovenia	14.	298.0
58.	Bulgaria	27.	125.9
66.	Finland	30.	109.1

Group C: Belgium, Poland, Lithuania, Azerbaijan

The reigning champions Belgium can pick up the baton again as their title defense which they won so gloriously this past summer begins. As usual it will be led by some incredible talent such as Emma Meesseman, Julie Allemans, Julie Vanloo and several others. 

Lithuania could do some damage in this group on paper, but they have been dealt a tough hand with injuries which will keep their star players sidelined for this first window. Juste Jocyte, Kamile Nacickaite and Monika Grigalauskyte will miss out and that rocks their prospects, although they do still have a lot of talent to call upon.

Poland could be about to make some moves. They impressed in the last Qualifiers by beating both Turkey and Slovenia. Now they have gotten the brilliant Stephanie Mavunga as a naturalized option, they could be a serious threat - especially with Weronika Telenag and Weronika Gajda alongside her. 

Finally, there's Azerbaijan who have only appeared once previously in the Qualifiers, let alone made it to Final Round. Consequently, they're an absolute unknown quantity at this level with just a handful of Small Countries appearances that harvested modest results, everyone is waiting to see what they can do.

The favorite: The usually brilliant Belgium, aka the holders.
Key matchup: Poland and Lithuania looks like a bonafide battle for second place.
The underdog: Azerbaijan could struggle in a big way.

The star: Emma Meesseman (Belgium) was the MVP of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 and having led her nation to that historic victory, will now have the taste for silverware even more. A class act, a phenomenal leader and great player, she will be out to make sure the Cats don't slip up.

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	CURRENT POINTS
6.	Belgium	2.	654.6
44.	Poland	20.	160.4
46.	Lithuania	21.	158.6
N/A	Azerbaijan	N/A	N/A

Group D: Denmark, Estonia, Great Britain, Sweden

Great Britain might be still frustrated they missed the chance to make the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Quarter-Finals and they are arguably slight favorites. With Temi Fagbenle and Holly Winterburn in good form, Chema Buceta and his team will be expected to win this group.

It feels like Sweden can be really hyped with this draw. All the games look winnable to varying degrees and even if they will have to play well and do without veteran star, Elin Eldebrink for this first window, they have a real shot at making a Final Round return. Frida Eldebrink is back, Klara Lundquist is always a threat, while Ellen Nystrom and Elin Gustavsson are playing well in EuroLeague Women. 

Estonia stunned Great Britain in the last Qualifiers and showed they have the capacity to be a challenger in this pool. They will feel they have a shot in every game of what is a very balanced group. With Tea Adams a handy naturalized addition, it could be interesting if Annika Koster and Maja Braatka can repeat their form from last time.

Denmark have proven they can not only compete at this level but have  picked up wins in the past two qualifying campaigns, beating the likes of Romania and most impressively, Montenegro. They have Maria Jespersen who is a great leader,  Anna Seilund who is a quality player for the national team and some talented young guns emerging.

The favorite: Great Britain look to have the edge and can just about be labelled as favorites. 
Key matchup: Sweden and Great Britain should battle for pole position.
The underdog: Denmark and Estonia equally, but don't be surprised if they come up with more than one upset.

The star: Temi Fagbenle (Great Britain) was top scorer at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 and made the All-Star Five and has went on to become captain of her country since, starring at the last edition. A huge baller, if she leads on the court with some big performances it could be the difference maker. 

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	CURRENT POINTS
21.	Great Britain	10.	313.9
27.	Sweden	15.	273.9
56.	Denmark	26.	129.9
69.	Estonia	32.	107.8

Group E: France, Ireland, Israel, Latvia

With a FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 bronze extending their incredible podium streak, France will be ready to cement their place for the next edition and continue their tradition. But they must avoid having one (understandable) eye on Paris 2024. They have such depth of options even when some big-hitters might not be available and will likely look to Valeriane Ayayi, Marine Fauthoux and Iliana Rupert to get it done initially. 

Latvia will most likely have to split the games against France to take a ticket for sure. However, they do have the talent to push their main rivals hard, with Anete Steinberga, Kitija Laksa and Aleksa Gulbe in particular looking capable of giving them headaches. The Baltic side will also be keen to get their early exit from the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 out of their system.

Ireland will probably feel the pain of this tricky draw which pitches them against two of the leading teams on the Continent. Having said that, they will have a raucous and passionate home crowd as always behind them and will get super support, with Claire Melia the go-to baller. 

Israel have their campaign on pause with games re-scheduled to a later date.

The favorite: France will be expected to finish on top because of their squad talent and depth. 
Key matchup: Latvia and France for top spot is the script so the two meetings will be intense.
The underdog: Ireland have it all to do against France and Latvia in particular.

The star: Anete Steinberga (Latvia) is currently playing her club basketball in France with Tango Bourges Basket and she is an absolute colossus for Latvia. She carries a big chink of their hopes on her shoulders and she could be the one that fires them back to another Final Round spot. 

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	CURRENT POINTS
7.	France	3.	643.8
29.	Latvia	17.	263.6
49.	Israel	23.	147.8
80.	Ireland	36.	88.6

Group F: Iceland, Romania, Slovakia, Turkiye

Turkiye had such a roller-coaster time at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023. Even with the naturalized and towering presence of Teaira McCowan they labored throughout. At least they will have Tilbe Senyurek back who could be a big factor and they are always solid with the backcourt leadership of Olcay Cakir Turgut. 

Slovakia surprised most observers by getting past the group phase at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket and famously beat Turkiye by 14 points to do it. They might just have their group rivals' number and if Terezia Palenikova, Barbora Wrzesinski and Ivana Jakubcova find a high gear, it could prove to be fruitful and exciting again.

Iceland are still searching for their first ever Final Round appearance and the Islanders will have it tough as usual in their role as underdogs. On occasion over the years they have dig out a shock win, but nothing consistent enough to really push hard for a ticket. Watch out for the one-two punch of Sara Hinriksdottir and Hildur Kjartansdottir.

By 2025, it will be a decade since Romania appeared and their last time was due to their co-hosts status. Consistency is key since they used a mind-blowing 26 different players during the previous qualifying campaign. Their legendary star Gabriela Marginean may have a swansong, but she will also try to help a new generation.

The favorite: Turkiye will feel this is a good group for them and they can take first place.
Key matchup: Both Turkiye and Slovakia will feel it is all about their two pivotal meetings.
The underdog: It's one for Iceland and Romania to argue over as there does not seem to be a lot between them.

The star: Tilbe Senyurek (Turkiye) needs to come back into the mix after her injury this past summer that curtailed her participation at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket. She is such a talent and potential focal point and gradually finding her groove with Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding which is a good sign.

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	CURRENT POINTS
14.	Turkiye	5.	409.5
28.	Slovakia	16.	265.1
54.	Romania	25.	131.2
65.	Iceland	29.	109.9

Group G: North Macedonia, Portugal, Serbia, Ukraine

Two-time champions Serbia are favorites since despite handing over their crown in Ljubljana, they still took a top five finish. They will be expected to take care of business but have less experience than before. Their trademark aggressive defense is a lock whatever the personnel and Yvonne Anderson making them tick will help get it done.

Ukraine look like second favorites and that runners-up spot is a common finishing spot for them, but sometimes not quite enough to advance. We all know about the incredible Alina Iagupova and she will have the green light to take any shot or make any play as usual. But the supporting cast will more likely define their success - or otherwise.

Portugal's search for a first ever FIBA Women's EuroBasket ticket continues. The upsides are that they pull out some big results from time to time, Serbia are not the Serbia of old and Ukraine are uber Iagupova reliant. Portugal will need Maria Bettencourt Correia, Maria Kostourkova and Sofia Silva to all perform if they want to cause an upset.

North Macedonia can't be discounted completely as they actually beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last qualifiers which should serve as a warning not to take them lightly in any game. They will be hoping to cause another surprise, fueled by the likes of Andjelika Mitrashinovikj and Nena Trachevska. 

The favorite: You just can't back against any Serbia team with Marina Maljkovic at the helm.
Key matchup: Portugal and Ukraine could be defining if they are the ones pushing for runners-up.
The underdog: North Macedonia as they don't have the talent, experience or depth of the others.

The star: Alina Iagupova (Ukraine) is one reason to love women's hoops. She will have everyone off their seats with her amazing shooting ability from all over the floor, her athletic plays at the basket and often overlooked creative skills. Most importantly of all, she is a runaway train for Ukraine and the heartbeat of their challenge. Few if any players in Europe carry this kind of individual responsibility for their respective nations.

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	CURRENT POINTS
10.	Serbia	4.	579.3
34.	Ukraine	18.	232.0
48.	Portugal	22.	151.7
75.	North Macedonia	33.	94.4

Group H: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Switzerland

Montenegro have a big opportunity to secure eight Final Round appearances in a row. This group will hold few, if any fears for Jelena Skerovic and her team as they enter having made the Quarter-Finals in Ljubljana. They are not expected to have the phenomenal Natasha Mack and Jelena Dubljevic has retired, but their core is back. Backcourt trio Marija Lekovic, Bozica Mujovic and Jelena Vucetic will all be key, as will Milica Jovanovic in the paint.

Bosnia and Herzegovina can relish the prospect of potentially upsetting their Balkan rivals, even if they don't have the incredible talent and influence of the naturalized Jonquel Jones any more. They are looking to turn the page, something that had to be done after missing out on the 2023 edition and losing to North Macedonia along the way. 

Luxembourg and Switzerland faced each other in the previous qualifiers and split 1-1 against each other. It will be interesting how the series goes this time around, with both teams looking slightly different. Luxembourg won't have Faith Ehi Etute for this window, but do have Magali Meynadier who shone last time. Switzerland will look to Evita Herminjard and have some new ballers to utilize such as Duke graduate Mia Heide.

The favorite: Montenegro should lock down top spot off the back of their good work in Tel Aviv and Ljubljana.
Key matchup: If Bosnia and Herzegovina want to cause a surprise, their games against Montenegro are pivotal.
The underdog: Flip a coin for Switzerland or Luxembourg.

The star: A class act for so many years now on the international stage, the priceless experience, talent, application and leadership of Milica Jovanovic will be integral to Montenegro meeting the expected goal of first place. If they do top the group then it is likely it will be the DVTK HUN-Therm forward that will drive the team onwards.

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	CURRENT POINTS
17.	Bosnia and Herzegovina	7.	353.2
24.	Montenegro	12.	302.3
60.	Switzerland	28.	119.7
68.	Luxembourg	31.	108.7

Group I: Czechia, Germany, Greece, Italy

Group I contains all four co-hosts of FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025, with Germany coming off the back of that 6th place at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket which was a great return after more than a decade away. They have Leonie Fiebeich in great form, plus Marie Guelich and Luisa Geiselsoder ready to lock down the paint. Big, physical and well drilled under coach Lisa Thomaidis, all eyes are now on when they will have Satou and Nyara Sabally on the court. 

Czechia caught the eye as underdogs this past summer when they defied expectations with some excellent displays and results. They only just missed out on the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament and it was their younger players who grabbed the headlines - and with key names missing for this first window because of injury, those rising stars could be important again. 

Italy and Greece both have reasons to want to get back to work and make up for missing the Quarter-Finals action in Ljubljana. The former will be led by Cecilia Zandalasini and also young Matilde Villa who will continue to grow in influence, while Jasmine Keys will patrol the paint.

Greece will be hit hard by the absence of star center Mariella Fasoula who suffered a serious injury  recently and that is a blow. Artemis Spanou and Eleanna Chirstinaki will have to pick up the slack and step up.

The favorite: If you go on momentum, then Germany maybe have it, but this is a very well balanced group.
Key matchup: Italy and Czechia could be really interesting as both have some young players on the rise.
The underdog: Greece without Mariella Fasoula are not likely to be the same force - at least until she returns.

The star: Leonie Fiebich (Germany) is one of the newest stars of the European game. She grew in influence during the previous qualifying campaign, performed impressively at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 and has been on fire with Casademont Zaragoza in EuroLeague Women. Her size, scoring power and rebounding is key for Germany.

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	CURRENT POINTS
15.	Italy	6.	378.6
18.	Greece	8.	343.9
22.	Czechia	11.	310.3
25.	Germany	13.	109.9

FIBA