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The rosters for twelve of the world’s top junior wheelchair basketball nations have been confirmed and verified ahead of the 2025 IWBF U23 Men’s World Championship, set to begin on 12 June 2025 at the Centro de Treinamento Paraolímpico in São Paulo, Brazil.
Teams to Watch – Group Breakdown
Pool A: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Israel, Türkiye
Australia, the Asia Oceania champions, arrive as strong contenders, led by experienced co-captains Eithen Leard and Jaylen Brown—both of whom have already broken into the senior national team and spent last season playing professionally in Italy.
Germany bring a balanced squad featuring the talented Lammering brothers, who helped secure silver at the 2024 U23 European Championship.
Host nation Brazil will look to make the most of home-court advantage, coming in with solid form from regional play and a mix of seasoned and young athletes.
Canada, who qualified second from the Americas Zone, enter with strong athletic depth and will aim to break through in a highly competitive group.
Israel are without key players from their qualification team, Max Pekerman and Radi Dagamin, but travel with a compact squad still capable of causing upsets.
Türkiye, silver medallists at the last edition in 2021, remain a serious threat with key players such as Baran Oguz and Hasan Efeturk.
Pool B: Great Britain, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Thailand, USA
Great Britain returns to the world stage after missing the 2021 edition and will aim to reclaim the title they won in 2017. A talented squad, including players to watch like Jack Long (All-Star Five at the U23 European Championship) and Charlie McIntyre, positions GB as serious contenders.
Italy may be under the radar but possess exciting young talent. Joel Boganelli, a 1.0 player, is known for his leadership and defensive intelligence.
Defending champions Japan will look to retain their title after their memorable 2021 run, bringing a fast-paced and tactical game that has defined their rise on the international stage.
USA, a consistently strong force in youth competition, are aiming high despite the absence of their experienced talisman AJ Fitzpatrick. Their players benefit from a highly competitive collegiate system, which continues to produce well-drilled and tactically disciplined teams ready for the world stage.
South Africa, champions of Africa, bring enthusiasm and growing confidence as they return to the world stage.
Thailand joins the line-up as a late addition, eager to showcase their development on the global platform. Big centre Amorntep Kongpakhaw will be one to watch with his imposing presence.
Full Team Rosters
Click the links below to view each team's full roster via the official IWBF Stats platform:
Watch the Action Live
All games from the 2025 IWBF U23 Men’s World Championship will be streamed live on the IWBF YouTube Channel and CBBC TV, with live stats and in-game updates available throughout the competition.
- Dates: 12–20 June 2025
- Venue: Centro de Treinamento Paraolímpico, São Paulo, Brazil
- Follow IWBF and CBBC on social media for highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
Stay tuned as the next generation of wheelchair basketball stars get ready to take centre stage in São Paulo.
