MUNICH (Germany) - The last of three FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers windows is about to get underway, so there's no better time than to refresh the Smart Power Rankings.
Taking into account the second edition of the Power Rankings, subsequent results, performances, upcoming fixtures and personnel changes, our Expert Panel has updated the list heading into these upcoming games.
1. France (-)
Current Record: 1st in Group E (4-0) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 3rd
It feels inevitable France will not only qualify with ease, but will retain their number one spot heading into Final Round as the team to beat. Even without some big-hitters for this last window, they have the quality, depth and mindset to dominate. Once everyone is back, they will show the kind of level that took them to silver at Paris 2024. Is there anything not to love if you're a French fan right now looking ahead to the big show in the summer? They're looking awesome and they have some crazy good young talents keeping the established ballers on their toes!
2. Spain (-)
Current Record: 1st in Group A (4-0) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 5th
Spain are also ready to roll into the Final Round, most likely unbeaten - even if they have some different players on the roster for this last window. The excitement levels around Iyana Martin Carrion are huge after her stellar rookie year in EuroLeague Women, while others like Awa Fam are ready to shine. It feels like a changing of the guard and major transition is in full swing! Once Raquel Carrera is back from injury as well, Spain should be absolutely flying!
3. Belgium (+1)
Current Record: 1st in Group C (3-1) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 6th
What a difference that second window made as Belgium put that shock gameday one loss at home to Poland to bed. Now they look big favorites to advance with all their top ballers ready. They will do so under a new playcaller as veteran Mike Thibault picks up the reins from history-maker Rachid Meziane. While nothing is certain, his vast experience in the women's game and international arena, along with his excellent past history with the likes of Emma Meesseman should mean the Cats book a spot and have a strong chance of defending their crown.
4. Germany (+2)
Current Record: 2nd in Group I (3-1) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 13th
Even if they're not top of Group I (the co-hosts), you have to love how they still won both their games in the previous window - despite absences of star players and key injuries. German basketball remains on an upwards curve. The playmaker issue was resolved with Alexis Peterson and you could argue that they now have one of the best wing and frontcourt lineups on the continent. Head coach Lisa Thomaidis can also be excited about a bunch of young guns rising up such as Frieda Buhner and Annika Soltau, meaning her bench is getting deeper and deeper.
5. Serbia (-)
Current Record: 1st in Group G (4-0) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 9th
Marina Maljkovic will be at least satisfied that everything is going to plan in terms of her team's record and they certainly rolled over Portugal in the last window in a big way. Booking their place is barely in doubt, although it will be interesting how they go against their main opponents on the road. This Serbia team is still in transition as the young players replace the veteran core that has delivered so much success. Ultimately, it will be the backcourt duo of Yvonne Anderson and Jovana Nogic that sees them shine as usual. Anything other than 6-0 would be a shock.
6. Türkiye (+3)
Current Record: 1st in Group F (4-0) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 17th
Already qualified, these next couple of games will give playcaller Ekrem Memnum some breathing space to try out some things as he effectively looks to start preparation for the Final Round. Assuming Teaira McCowan is back in the summer for the big show, it's more about the supporting cast and how effective they can be if Türkiye want to start challenging for medals again. The likes of Elif Bayram, Goksen Fitik, Olperi Onar, Sevgi Uzun and co all now need to step up and show that they are good enough to make their nation a force.
7. Sweden (+3)
Current Record: 1st in Group D (4-0) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 27th
The feel good factor is back for Sweden after they punched a ticket early with another close win against Great Britain. Much will continue to hinge on Klara Lundquist continuing her journey in becoming a number one go-to baller for the Swedes. She has been exceptional at times and with Ellen Nystrom, Regan Magarity and the vast know-how of veterans Frida Eldebrink and Louice Halvarsson, there's much to be excited about. Head coach Kevin Taylor-Lundgren has done a nice job and he will be hoping some of Sweden's younger lights can now also shine.
8. Slovenia (+7)
Current Record: 1st in Group B (3-1) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 25th
It's a massive rise and a deserved one for Slovenia who had a fabulous November window which has put them top of the group and transformed their prospects. Now in the box-seat to advance, it was the addition of the naturalized powerhouse Jessica Shepard that proved a difference-maker. Unstoppable in wins over Finland and Hungary, she'll be a driving force again. Zala Friskovec is in good form and will likely do the business scoring-wise, with an array of teenage ballers like Ajsa Sivka, Lea Bartelme and Sara Sambolic also ready to impress.
9. Italy (-1)
Current Record: 1st in Group I (3-1) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 16th
It's maybe harsh to be subjected to a modest fall in the rankings, but they did slip up last time out against Greece and perhaps most worryingly, only managed to sink 45 points in the contest. The mitigation of course is that Italy have been casting their net far and wide in terms of players, offering opportunities for those on the fringes and for some new faces. The meeting with Germany is looking like a Group I decider and could be a terrific battle. The issue for Italy remains offense so hopefully Cecilia Zandalasini, Matilde Villa and Jasmine Keys will hit a high gear.
10. Hungary (-7)
Current Record: 2nd in Group B (2-2) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 15th
It's a massive drop for Hungary after what could yet prove to be a disastrous second window. Heading into last November 2-0 coming off the back of being Semi-Finalists at the 2023 edition, they were flying. But they were de-railed spectacularly at home against Bulgaria in a shock loss, before falling in Slovenia. Now their hopes are in the balance. The fans will be at least grateful that they have one of the best frontcourts in the competition with Dorka Juhasz on fire in EuroLeague Women and both Virag Kiss and Bernadet Hatar a real handful. Will they get it done?
11. Montenegro (-4)
Current Record: 2nd in Group H (3-1) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 22nd
There's no doubt Montenegro were rolling along very nicely after a 2-0 start but then not only hit a bump, but an absolute road block in the shape of Luxembourg. They were hammered by more than 20 points and while recovering to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the derby, it's a loss that could haunt them. It means revenge is on the menu against Luxembourg this time and they will have to work hard to cement their spot with a tricky trip to Switzerland too. They'll want to extend an incredible Final Round appearance streak to an amazing eight editions.
12. Greece (+1)
Current Record: 3rd in Group I (2-2) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 18th
Greece showed their best face in November. Even if they were squeezed out in Germany, it was a great effort. They then locked down Italy with a super defensive show. This defensive quality is going to be the main identity of the co-hosts in Piraeus and something they can build their campaign on. They are now establishing a strong starting five with the likes of Pinelopi Pavlopoulou, Eleanna Christinaki, Elena Tsineke, Artemis Spanou and Maria Fasoula, but it's really all about who's next on court and if the wider rotation can contribute solidly to success.
13. Czechia (-2)
Current Record: 4th in Group I (0-4) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 21st
There's no need to hit the panic button after failing to win a game yet, but the siren of concern might be audible in the background, since heading to the Final Round off the back of six straight losses would be unthinkable. Mitigation is that they have only been able to get Julia Reisingerova on the floor in one game so far, but with her and the excellent rising star Emma Cechova in situ, they might look a different team. It was such an impressive campaign at the 2023 edition and the big question is whether Romana Ptackova can help her side rediscover that form?
14. Great Britain (-2)
Current Record: 2nd in Group D (2-2) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 23rd
It was so near and yet so far for Great Britain. Anna Montanana had them competing hard in Sweden, but they were undone by just two points. That was agony as their opponents advanced, but the good news is that with a very positive basket difference, wins against Estonia and Denmark would likely see them progress. The usual suspects will lead in Holly Winterburn and Temi Fagbenle, but there are positives with Savannah Wilkinson impressing in Israel, Hannah Jump now in the Turkish league and Cheridene Green getting back in the mix after long-term injury.
15. Lithuania (+3)
Current Record: 2nd in Group C (3-1) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 45th
Are we about to see Lithuania return to the Final Round table after a decade away? It's in their hands. A thrilling road win in Poland transformed their prospects and they have absolutely huge home games against the Poles again and holders Belgium. With good size, the hosts will look to control the glass through the likes of Laura Juskaite, Giedre Labuckiene and Daugile Use. But it will probably boil down to the team looking after the ball better and teenager Juste Jocyte producing a scoring contribution that matters and getting it done in crunch time.
16. Poland (-)
Current Record: 3rd in Group C (3-1) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 44th
What an opportunity for Poland. Had they not lost that thriller with Lithuania they will have almost bagged a ticket already, so now they have to deliver payback in Vilnius. Doing so would end their Final Round drought and with Kamila Borkowska, Weronika Telenga and Stephanie Mavunga in the frontcourt, they have a potent trio to help seal the deal. But much like their opponents, it's maybe the backcourt battle that will determine who comes out on top. All eyes on the veteran Weronika Gadja then. She will be the one pulling the strings and her experience will be vital.
17. Luxembourg (+5)
Current Record: 1st in Group H (3-1) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 57th
Will Luxembourg take their opportunity to write a Cinderella story of epic proportions? Their scorching victory against Montenegro has elevated them to the brink of a historic first qualification - even if they will be kicking themselves for losing against Switzerland which might see them fall short. The absence of star baller Faith Ehi Etute could also ultimately sink their chances, but with the naturalized Amanda Cahill and Anne Simon, they have a one-two punch that might just get them over the line. It's tantalizing and every fans' finger nails will be chewed!
18. Slovakia (-4)
Current Record: 2nd in Group F (2-2) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 29th
A negative basket difference is the sole reason that Slovakia have fallen four places and it now looks like punching a ticket could be a step too far. Sizeable defeats to Türkiye have left their prospects hanging by a thread. Even two wins and a 4-2 finish might not be enough if they don't claim big winning margins. Do Slovakia have the kind of scoring power needed to blow away Iceland and Romania? Maybe. Terezia Pelenikova will be probably leading the way. But if they do fall short, it will be because of that nightmare 35-point loss to Türkiye in their very first game.
19. Finland (-2)
Current Record: 3rd in Group B (2-2) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 60th
Opportunity knocked in the last window, but they were not able to take full advantage. Undone by Slovenia and Jessica Shepard's incredible debut, it looks like a 20-point loss has sunk their chances. They bounced back impressively with a very nice win against Bulgaria to keep the dream alive, but it looks tough now. As always, Awak Kuier and Sara Bejedi will carry their main threat and a nice one-two punch, but will it be enough to surprise and get over the line? If only scoring machine Elina Aarnisalo was available and not busy killing it at UCLA.
20. Croatia (+1)
Current Record: 2nd in Group A (2-2) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 34th
Should Croatia be much higher in the rankings? Very possibly. The great news is that in their realistic pursuit of second place in Group A, they have a positive basket difference, a very winnable game against Austria and what looks like a 50-50 in the Netherlands. The flip-side is that Croatia will not have their best players on the floor with many stars injured such as Ana-Marija Begic and Nika Muhl who could have really taken them far. But they still might have enough to do it. They still have a reasonable chance, so all eyes on Mihaela Lazic and Shavonte Zellous.
21. Portugal (-1)
Current Record: 2nd in Group G (3-1) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 46th
With two home games lying in wait, the fans will be bringing the noise as it is not out of the question completely that Portugal could sneak a pass to the Final Round. It's an exciting prospect but the big obstacle is having to beat Serbia to possibly make it. Maybe not a mountain to climb, but a steep basketball hill. That is also assuming they see off Ukraine beforehand. It will be teamwork that (as the phrase goes) makes the dream work if they do pull off an amazing win double. Without a marquee baller or leading star, it's going to be a collective effort.
22. Latvia (-3)
Current Record: 2nd in Group E (2-2) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 28th
Facing a powerhouse like France was always going to be a significant challenge and having been burned badly twice by the Olympic Finalists, the basket difference is not in great shape. Throw in a very tight win against Israel and it looks like a long way to Final Round at this juncture. The hot-hand of Kitija Laksa might be their savior if they can beat Israel and put up a massive win against Ireland. But the stars are really going to have to align and the game against Israel will be difficult as a dramatic 86-83 success in the first meeting underlines.
23. Netherlands (+3)
Current Record: 3rd in Group A (2-2) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 50th
There should be positive vibes in the Dutch camp heading into this last window, but they will be cursing having to play Spain in their last game. Still, with their opponents likely already qualified and without big-hitters, who knows? Doing a double over Croatia and Spain looks a tall order, but with Emese Hof and now also Kourtney Treffers having impressed in EuroLeague Women, they have some ballers that can lead the charge for an unlikely Final Round spot. Even if missing out is the most likely outcome, it still bodes well for the future.
24. Bulgaria (+5)
Current Record: 4th in Group B (1-3) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 59th
For their absolutely stunning victory in Hungary alone, the jump of five places is merited. It was a sensational win and result that made everyone sit up. Inspired by the naturalized Khaalia Hillsman who was brilliant on debut, it was just a pity that they then crashed in a big way to Finland in the second November game. Of course anything is possible when the frontcourt work of Hillsman is working alongside the scoring power of guard Borislava Hristova. Two home games await, but group leaders Slovenia and a Hungary team focused on revenge looks tough!
25. Switzerland (+6)
Could Switzerland be in line to throw up the biggest ever shock and take a pair of home victories to end their campaign. If they do, they would finish 4-2 and have a positive basket difference that might be enough. They will be big favorites against Bosnia and Herzegovina but must firstly tackle Montenegro. The inspiration for the Swiss is that Luxembourg took them down in style, so keep an eye on this game closely for those of you who love a shock. Lin Schwarz and Nancy Flora look most likely to drive a surprise. Or, will someone else emerge as a hero?
Current Record: 3rd in Group H (2-2) FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 65th
The rest of the field
26. Israel - 2 27. Estonia - 28. Denmark - 29. Ukraine -4 30. Iceland +2 31. Bosnia and Herzegovina -8 32. Romania -2 33. Austria - 34. Ireland - 35. North Macedonia - 36. Azerbaijan - *The Power Rankings are out together by our Expert Panel. They are entirely subjective and are in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
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