Israel Women Face Poland in Riga to Open EuroBasket Qualifiers Second Stage

The Israel women's national basketball team will face Poland on Wednesday in Riga for the opening game of the second group stage in the EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers. Israel advanced from the first round with a flawless record of six wins in six matches, and now competes in a new group alongside Poland, Turkey, and Montenegro. The top two teams will secure their tickets to EuroBasket 2027.

Following Wednesday's match, Israel will host Turkey on Saturday in another home fixture in Latvia before traveling to Montenegro on Tuesday. Head coach Shira Haelyon aims to maintain the momentum from the first round, where the team relied heavily on standout performances from Daniel Raber, Dorian Dahan-Suyic, and Abby Meyers. The squad features three overseas players: Dahan-Suyic and Romy Levi from Red Star Belgrade, and Yarden Garzon from Zaragoza.

Poland enters the match after participating in the 2025 European Championship and also finished the first qualifying round undefeated. The Polish side boasts experienced players, including Stephanie Mavunga, center Kamila Borkowska, and forward Liliana Banaszak.

Head coach Shira Haelyon shared her thoughts ahead of the clash: «This is our first game against a tall, aggressive team that attacks the boards hard and plays well both facing and with their back to the basket. We must minimize the physical gaps between the teams. We had an excellent campaign in the first round, and we will need to play cohesively and with tactical discipline.»

Haelyon added regarding the team spirit: «We are very excited and want to represent the country with honor. I promise we will give everything on the court to win. It certainly won't be easy, but anything is possible in basketball. Our essence is to stick together without big names, but with a big heart.»