Die kroatischen Basketballspieler kommen in die Viertelfinale gegen die Franzosen und Wembanyama.

Croatian basketball team advances to quarterfinals against French favorites including Victor Wembanyama's younger brother The Croatian national basketball team has secured its place in the quarterfinals of the FIB U20 European Championship after defeating the Czech Republic 93-69 in the round of 16. The match took place on July 15, 2026, at Ljubljana’s Stožice Arena. This victory ensures Croatia will face France in the quarterfinals, a matchup featuring the younger brother of NBA star Victor Wembanyama. Croatia's young squad advanced through the group stage with wins over Greece and Latvia before overcoming the Czech Republic in the knockout round. The game was initially close, with both teams trading points in the first three quarters, leading to a score of 61-59 in favor of Croatia. However, the tide turned in the fourth quarter due to a standout performance by forward Petar Babić, who scored 32 points in the final period, helping Croatia secure the win with a commanding 32-10 margin. Despite having six players under 206 cm tall, primarily due to their participation in the NCAA, the Croatian team did not rely heavily on inside scoring. In fact, centers managed just four field goals, while perimeter players shone brightly. Shooting guard Dino Subašić led the charge with 32 points and a shooting percentage of 50%, converting 13 of 17 shots. His efficiency included three-pointers (4 of 6), layups, and fast breaks. Two Zagreb-based forwards, Torbarin (13 points) and Bičić (11 points), also contributed significantly. Young guards Borna Katanović and Borna Bubalo added valuable minutes, with Katanović recording 10 points, four assists, two steals, and two blocks, and Bubalo contributing six points along with three rebounds and three assists. Croatia’s dominance was evident in key statistical categories. They shot 41% from the field compared to the Czechs' 25%, recorded 25 assists versus eight for their opponents, and secured 41 rebounds, 12 more than the Czechs. Looking ahead, Croatia will face France in the quarterfinals. France defeated Poland 90-79 in the previous round. The French team includes Zoran Miličić, the son of Croatian former coach Igor Miličić, who plays for German club Ulm. Another notable player is Mohamed Diakite, a standout at Ulm’s prestigious basketball academy, who was named the best player on the French side with 22 points and eight rebounds. Oscar Wembanyama, the younger brother of NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama, also drew attention with his performance, scoring nine points and two rebounds despite being 22 centimeters shorter and three years younger than his sibling.