The five following teams are widely considered favorites for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 in Lausanne due to their deep talent pools, strong international pedigrees, and standout individual players. Here's why Eurobasket.com picked each team, poised for a title run:

USA – The gold standard
The USA enter the tournament as the most decorated nation in U19 history, with eight gold medals. Despite missing the podium in 2023, they return and boast a fantastic roster led by AJ Dybantsa (206-G/F-2007), the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2025, and Koa Peat (203-F-2007), a versatile power forward with two FIBA golds already under his belt. The team also features elite prospects like Tyran Stokes (201-F/G-2007), Jasper Johnson (193-F/G-2006), and Daniel Jacobsen (220-C-2006). With Tommy Lloyd at the helm, Team USA combines athleticism, depth, and international experience, making them the team to beat.

Serbia – Tactical brilliance and youth power
Serbia consistently produces high-IQ, technically sound players, and their U19 squad is no exception. They qualified by finishing second at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2024 and bring a well-balanced roster featuring Andrej Kostic (198-G-2006) and Savo Drezgic (193-G-2006, college: Georgia), two guards with elite playmaking and scoring instincts. Serbia’s strength lies in its structured offense, disciplined defense, and school tradition of excelling in youth competitions. Serbians won the U19 title in 2007 and finished as runners-up in 2013. Their ability to control tempo and execute under pressure makes them a serious contender.

France – Hungry for redemption
After a heartbreaking overtime loss in the 2023 final, France is back with a mission: to win its first-ever U19 World Cup title. They have a top-three FIBA world ranking and a deep roster led by Noa Kouakou-Heugue (206-SF-2007), a dynamic wing, and Mohamed Sankhe (208-F/C-2006), a rising center in European basketball. France’s hallmark is its length, athleticism, and defensive intensity, and they’ve medaled in three straight editions (silver in 2021 and 2023, bronze in 2019). Their experience and hunger for gold make them a formidable force.

Canada – Rising global power
Canada has emerged as a basketball powerhouse, with a bronze in 2021 and a gold in 2017. Their 2025 squad is loaded with talent, including Olivier Rioux (236-C-2006), from the University of Florida, and Abdul Aziz Olajuwon, son of Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon (213-C/F-1963, college: Houston). The team also features Efeosa Oliogu (198-SF-2006) and Tristan Beckford (196-SF-2006), both NCAA-bound and known for their scoring prowess. With a strong showing at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup and a deep bench, Canada blends size, skill and athleticism, making them a dark horse with serious upside.

Australia – Physicality and grit
The Emus, as Australia’s U19 team is nicknamed, are always a threat thanks to their physical style of play and tough defensive schemes. They qualified by winning the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2024 and bring a talented group led by Dash Daniels (195-G-2007), a crafty guard, and Roman Siulepa (201-F/G-2006), a powerful forward. Although Rocco Zikarsky (217-C-2006), a top NBA prospect, has withdrawn, the team still features Jacob Furphy (195-SG-2006), who has senior national team experience. Australia’s blend of toughness, international pedigree, and team-first mentality makes them a dangerous opponent.

Each of these teams brings a unique identity and a roster full of rising stars. The group stage matchups (especially in Group D, the so-called “Group of Death” with Australia, Cameroon, France and the USA) will be must-watch basketball.

While the spotlight will inevitably shine on the tournament favorites, some under-the-radar contenders are quietly preparing to upset the balance. Teams like Slovenia, Germany, New Zealand, Argentina, Israel or China bring depth and determination, making them serious challengers. And if history has taught us anything from past U19 World Cup editions, it is that a Cinderella story is always just one tip-off away. Cameroon, Mali, or even the host nation Switzerland with Dayan Nessah (201-F-2006) could seize the moment and steal the show.