FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026: Groups Revealed as Côte d’Ivoire Prepares to Welcome Africa

Côte d’Ivoire is getting ready to welcome the best young basketball talent from across Africa. From August 5 to 16, 2026, Abidjan will be at the heart of continental basketball as it hosts the FIBA U18 AfroBasket for both boys and girls.

With the tournament fast approaching, the group draws have now been revealed. The young Elephants will face several of Africa’s top basketball nations, with the Mali, the reigning champions in both categories, looking to defend their titles.

🏀 U18 AfroBasket Boys: Côte d’Ivoire drawn in Group A

At the 26th edition of the FIBA U18 AfroBasket for boys, Côte d’Ivoire will compete in Group A, alongside Egypt, Chad and Nigeria.

Group A

🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire 🇪🇬 Egypt 🇹🇩 Chad 🇳🇬 Nigeria

Group B will feature reigning champions Mali, Madagascar, Gabon and Morocco.

Group B

🇲🇱 Mali 🇲🇬 Madagascar 🇬🇦 Gabon 🇲🇦 Morocco

Meanwhile, Group C will bring together Cameroon, Tunisia, Rwanda and Senegal.

Group C

🇨🇲 Cameroon 🇹🇳 Tunisia 🇷🇼 Rwanda 🇸🇳 Senegal

Playing on home soil, Côte d’Ivoire will face a tough challenge in Group A, with every game likely to be crucial in the race for qualification and a place among the continent’s top teams.

🏀 U18 AfroBasket Girls: Côte d’Ivoire placed in Group A

In the women’s competition, the 18th edition of the FIBA U18 AfroBasket will also see Côte d’Ivoire compete in Group A.

The Ivorian team will face the Central African Republic, Uganda and Kenya.

Group A

🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇫 Central African Republic 🇺🇬 Uganda 🇰🇪 Kenya

Group B will consist of Mali, Morocco, Egypt and Benin.

Group B

🇲🇱 Mali 🇲🇦 Morocco 🇪🇬 Egypt 🇧🇯 Benin

In Group C, Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal and Tunisia will battle for a place in the next stage of the competition.

Group C

🇳🇬 Nigeria 🇨🇲 Cameroon 🇸🇳 Senegal 🇹🇳 Tunisia

🇨🇮 Abidjan Set to Become the Capital of African Youth Basketball

With both tournaments taking place from August 5 to 16, Côte d’Ivoire is preparing to host a major celebration of African youth basketball.

Playing at home, the Ivorian national teams will have the opportunity to compete against the continent’s best young players while showcasing their talent in front of their home crowd.

All eyes will also be on Mali, the reigning champions in both categories, as the other nations look to dethrone the defending champions.

The countdown is on in Abidjan for a new celebration of African basketball. 🏀🇨🇮🔥