By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
The United States extended its absolute dominance in youth basketball on Sunday, routing Serbia 107–81 to capture an eighth consecutive FIBA U17 World Cup gold medal in Istanbul.
Played at the Basketball Development Center, the championship game saw the Americans overwhelm their opponents despite Serbia grabbing an early four-point lead. Coach Scott Fitch’s squad quickly took control and led the rest of the way, fueled by a stellar 23-point performance from CJ Rosser. Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje heavily anchored the interior, dominating the glass to finish with a massive double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds. Following his dominant tournament performance, 17-year-0ld Boumtje-Boumtje was officially named the FIBA U17 World Cup 2026 Most Valuable Player.
On the losing side of the gold medal game, Serbia settled for the silver medal, marking the nation’s second-ever podium finish in this specific tournament following a bronze performance in 2014. Future UCLA Bruin Nikola Kusturica did everything he could to keep his team competitive, carrying the Serbian offense with a spectacular career-high 37 points. His scoring brilliance earned him a well-deserved spot on the tournament’s prestigious All-Star Five.
Earlier, Australia secured the bronze medal by defeating tournament host Turkiye 77–69. The Australians never trailed in the contest, successfully withstanding a furious 13-0 run by the hosts. Omer Kutluay, son of former EuroLeague champion Ibrahim Kutluay, willed the Turkish team with 32 points, but Australia prevailed behind Luke Paul. The elite 2028 NBA Draft prospect paved the way by flirting with a triple-double, recording 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. Both Paul and Kutluay were also selected to the tournament’s All-Star Five, joining Team USA’s Beckham Black to round out the elite lineup.
Also, Tony Parker’s France claimed fifth place as Nathan Soliman exploded for 37 points, 12 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and one block to demolish Canada 97–76.
FIBA U17 World Cup 2026 final standings
1. United States
2. Serbia
3. Australia
4. Turkiye
5. France
6. Canada
7. Lithuania
8. Puerto Rico
9. Slovenia
10. China
11. Cote d’Ivoire
12. New Zealand
13. Italy
14. Japan
15. Venezuela
16. Cameroon
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