Mexico U17 Women 88 – 72 Ivory Coast U17 Women
FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship – July 19, 2026

Mexico’s U17 women’s national team opened their FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship campaign with a commanding 88–72 victory over Ivory Coast on Sunday. The win showcased Mexico’s superior depth and transition game, as they used a dominant second half to pull away from a spirited Ivorian side that had kept the contest close through two quarters.

Match Overview

The game started with both teams trading baskets, and Ivory Coast’s athleticism gave Mexico early trouble on the boards. However, Mexico’s guards found their rhythm in the second quarter, and a late 9–0 run gave them a 42–34 halftime lead. After the break, Mexico’s full-court press forced multiple Ivory Coast turnovers, turning the game into a track meet that played perfectly into Mexico’s hands. By the end of the third quarter, the lead had swelled to 18 points, and Mexico cruised through the final period.

Key Moments

• First-half battle: Ivory Coast’s aggressive drives kept them within two possessions for most of the first half, and they even briefly held a lead midway through the second quarter.
• Turning point – third quarter: Mexico opened the third quarter with a 16–4 burst, built on three fast-break layups and two three-pointers from their shooting guard.
• Rebounding domination: Mexico grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, leading to 18 second-chance points that proved crucial in building the large margin.
• Ivory Coast fightback falls short: Ivory Coast reduced the deficit to 12 points early in the fourth, but Mexico responded with a timeout and promptly scored on four consecutive possessions to restore order.

Standout Performers

Mexico’s point guard orchestrated the offense with 15 points and 9 assists, while their center recorded a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds. For Ivory Coast, two players scored in double figures, but they received little support from the bench, which was outscored 32–12.

Tournament Context

Mexico’s victory puts them in a strong position in Group A, while Ivory Coast will need to bounce back quickly to keep their knockout-round hopes alive. Mexico’s transition defense and three-point shooting will be tested in their next match against a more experienced European opponent, but this opening performance signals that they are a team to watch in the U17 World Championship.