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The power rankings for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines have been released, and France have taken the top spot ahead of powerhouse countries like the USA and Spain. The top five is rounded out by Australia and Slovenia while Canada, Finland, Lithuania, Italy, and Germany feature in the top 10.
While power rankings are not an official ranking, and are not representative of a country’s overall strength in the sport, they are a fun way to rank rosters at a tournament relative to other teams at the tournament. It is noteworthy that the USA have sent a relatively young team to this World Cup, and that it lacks serious firepower in favor of giving young players a platform to showcase their skills.
Check t he top 10 rated teams as follows:
- France
- USA
- Australia
- Spain
- Slovenia
- Canada
- Germany
- Finland
- Lithuania
- Italy
France
France have appeared at a FIBA World Cup nine times and recorded their best results in 2014 and 2019 when they recorded third-placed finishes. Despite their star player Victor Wembenyama's rumored withdrawal from the tournament, France are poised for a historic World Cup, with a roster that features the return of Nando de Colo and Nicolas Batum along with players like Frank Ntilikina, Evan Fournier, and Rudy Gobert. France are currently ranked fifth in the FIBA world rankings.
USA
Nineteen-time World Cup competitors the United States are five-time World Champions. The team has always featured the biggest superstars of the sport, but this year the country is taking a more measured approach and sending a relatively young team that includes Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, and Jaren Jackson Jr among others. The US is currently ranked second in the world according to FIBA world rankings.
Spain
Reigning World Champions, and ranked 1 in the FIBA world rankings, Spain will be looking for another magical tournament in Asia. The two-time World Cup-winning team will be making their fourteenth appearance at the competition with a roster that includes Ricky Rubio, Sebas Saiz, Jaime Fernandez, and Sergio Llull among others.
Australia
Australia will also be making their fourteenth appearance at a World Cup and had their best result in 2019 as the country finished fourth. Currently ranked third in the world, Australia will be looking to make a bigger splash at this year’s edition of the prestigious tournament. Their roster includes the likes of Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, and Jock Landale.
Slovenia
Making their fifth appearance, Slovenia will look to better their best-ever finish at a World Cup - seventh place in 2014. The country is currently ranked 7th in the world according to FIBA rankings, but many feel that they can punch above their weight at the tournament and really make a statement. Their roster includes players such as Luka Doncic, Jaka Blazic, and Sasa Ciani.
