Cote d’Ivoire to Host the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket

Cote d’Ivoire has officially been selected to host the next edition of the FIBA U18 AfroBasket for both the men’s and women’s competitions, marking another major step for the country’s growing role in African basketball.

The tournament will take place in Abidjan, although the official competition dates are still expected to be confirmed by FIBA Africa. The announcement reinforces Cote d’Ivoire’s position as one of the continent’s emerging basketball hubs following its increasing involvement in international events and youth development.

Ahead of the tournament, the zonal qualifiers will begin later this month across Africa:

Zone 1: July 8 – 13 (Tunisia)

Zone 2: July 10 – 17 (Guinea)

Zone 3: July 4 – 11 (Burkina Faso)

Zone 4: May 28 – June 4 (Cameroon)

Zone 5: June 14 – 21 (Uganda)

Zones 6 & 7: Dates and hosts to be confirmed

The competition is expected to bring together the continent’s best young prospects, with scouts and federations closely monitoring the next generation of African basketball talent.