Semi-Final Showdowns
The semi-finals of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 unfolded in Istanbul, Turkey, bringing together the continent's most promising prospects in a high‑stakes environment.
The United States opened the final four with a commanding performance, led by Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, who contributed 23 points and secured 15 rebounds, underscoring his double‑double impact.
Serbia responded with a high‑scoring effort from Nikola Kusturica, who tallied 25 points despite a sub‑par three‑point shooting night, keeping the Serbian side in contention.
Türkiye’s Omer Kutluay matched the scoring output with 25 points and added 8 assists, but a late surge fell just short, resulting in a narrow defeat for the Turkish squad.
In the classification matches, Canada’s Liam Mitakaro posted 23 points and 10 assists, while France’s Nathan Soliman recorded 9 points and 10 rebounds, highlighting the depth of talent across the roster.
With the championship game on the horizon, the tournament’s emerging stars are poised to shape the next generation of international basketball, promising a climax that will resonate through the sport’s future.