The USA U17 Women’s National Team delivered a historic performance at the FIBA Women's U17 World Championship on 11 July 2026, demolishing Ivory Coast U17 Women 117‑24 in a one‑sided contest that underscored the vast gap between the two programs. The game, held at 18:00, was over almost as soon as it began, as the Americans raced to a massive early lead and never looked back.

Match Breakdown

From the opening tip, the USA imposed its will on both ends of the floor. A relentless full‑court press forced turnover after turnover, and the Americans converted those opportunities into easy fast‑break points. By the end of the first quarter, the score had already reached blowout territory, and the lead only grew from there. Ivory Coast struggled to generate any consistent offense, managing just 24 points for the entire game against a suffocating U.S. defense.

Offensively, the USA showcased its depth and skill. Multiple players scored in double figures, and the team’s ability to share the ball and hit from long range made them virtually unguardable. Ivory Coast’s players showed heart but were simply overwhelmed by the speed, size, and basketball IQ of their opponents.

What It Means for the Tournament

The win serves as a statement of intent from the USA U17 Women, who are widely regarded as favorites to win the gold medal. Their dominance on the defensive end and their ability to score in bunches will make them a nightmare for any opponent. For Ivory Coast, the experience – though painful – is a vital learning opportunity. Competing against the world’s best program will help them identify areas for growth as they continue to develop women’s basketball in their country.

Looking Ahead

The USA will face stiffer tests as the tournament progresses, and their coaching staff will use this game to fine‑tune rotations and build chemistry. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, will look to bounce back and enjoy a more competitive outing in their next group‑stage fixture, using the lessons from this lopsided loss to fuel their improvement.