The Vaudoise Arena in Lausanne, Switzerland is bracing for a basketball spectacle as the semi-finals of the FIBA U19 World Cup 2025 tip off tonight. Four nations (Slovenia, Germany, New Zealand and the United States) will battle for a place in the final, each bringing a unique blend of history, hunger, and high-octane talent.

Slovenia will face Germany at 17:15 CET in the first semi-final
This all-European clash is more than a rematch. It is a true rivalry. Germany led in this tournament by Christian Anderson Jr. (188-G-2006), Jack Kayil (191-PG-2006), Hannes Steinbach (206-F/C-2006), Declan Duru Jr. (202-F-2007) and Eric Reibe (214-C-2006) staged a dramatic comeback just a week ago, erasing a 13-point deficit to edge Slovenia 75–68. The Germans also bested Slovena in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2024 semi-finals, adding fuel to an already fiery matchup. Both teams never reached a U19 World Cup Final.
Players to watch:
Christian Anderson Jr. (Germany): a lightning-quick point guard from Texas Tech, Anderson has dazzled with his court vision and perimeter defense. He’s averaging 15.2 points and 6.2 assists per game.
Hannes Steinbach (Germany): absolutely dominant in the paint, Steinbach posted 17.8 points and 13.6 rebounds per game, including a monstrous 19-board performance against Slovenia and Serbia in group play.
Zak Smrekar (201-F/G-2006, Slovenia): Slovenia's floor general has been consistent, averaging 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
Urban Kroflic (197-F-2006, Slovenia): a fantastic sharpshooter with pro experience, Kroflic’s scoring touch could be Slovenia’s X-factor.

New Zealand will face USA at 20:00 in the second semi-final
The Junior Tall Blacks are living a dream, reaching the semi-finals for the first time. But standing in their way is eight-time champions United States. In 2023, the U19 USA were not on the podium. This year, Team USA of rising stars AJ Dybantsa (206-G/F-2007) and Koa Peat (203-F-2007) definitely want to get the gold medal. Their last meeting at the FIBA U17 World Cup 2024 ended in a 145–65 blowout win for the Americans. Prior to the start of this FIBA U19 World Cup semi-final, the Haka to be performed by the Junior Tall Blacks will be worth seeing or experiencing.
Players to watch:
AJ Dybantsa (USA): the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa is a scoring machine with elite athleticism. He’s averaging 15.8 points and 4 rebounds. He was a key player in the quarter-final win over Canada.
Christopher Mikel Brown Jr. (185-G-2006, USA): leading Team USA in scoring (16.2 points per game) and assists (6.6 per game), Brown’s explosive playmaking has been pivotal.
Tyran Stokes (201-F/G-2007, USA): a physical forward with a 43 efficiency rating in the Round of 16, Stokes is a menace on both ends.
Tamatoa Isaac (188-G-2006, New Zealand): the Canterbury Rams guard posted 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 8 assists in the 1/8 final against China.
Hayden Jones (197-F-2007, New Zealand): the leading scorer and rebounder of the Junior Tall Blacks with 15.2 points and 8.8 boards per game so far in the competition.

To find out how these four teams have reached the semis and in order to find more info about the FIBA U19 World Cup 2025 in Lausanne go to https://www.eurobasket.com/World-Cup-U19/basketball.aspx

Source: FIBA U19 World Cup 2025