Olympics 2025 Preview: Which Countries Could Challenge Team USA

The 2025 Summer Olympics basketball tournament promises to be one of the most competitive in recent history. While Team USA has long been the dominant force in international basketball, the gap between them and the rest of the world has narrowed significantly. Several nations now boast NBA and Euro-league talent, making them formidable contenders for the gold medal. As the tournament in Paris approaches, let’s take a closer look at the top challengers who have the potential to upset Team USA and claim Olympic glory. France – The Host Nation & A Rising Power Why They Can Win France has been on the verge of basketball dominance for years. They defeated Team USA in the group stage of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and secured a silver medal, narrowly losing in the final. With the 2025 tournament being held in Paris, their home-court advantage could be a game-changer. Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) – The 7’4” sensation is a defensive powerhouse and a matchup nightmare. Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves) – A three-time Defensive Player of the Year, bringing elite rim protection. Evan Fournier (New York Knicks) – A consistent perimeter shooter with international experience. Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards) – A young, athletic wing with strong defensive skills. Strengths Elite defense with Wembanyama and Gobert protecting the paint. Familiarity and chemistry from years of FIBA competition. Home-court advantage and a passionate French crowd behind them. Weaknesses Lack of elite play-making compared to Team USA’s star-studded backcourt. Inconsistent three-point shooting could hurt them in crucial moments. Canada – The Best Roster Outside of Team USA? Why They Can Win Canada has quietly built one of the strongest international rosters in recent years. Their NBA-heavy lineup makes them a legitimate gold medal threat. They proved their potential by defeating Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup bronze medal game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) – One of the NBA’s elite scorers and clutch performers. Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets) – A playoff-proven star and elite playmaker. RJ Barrett (Toronto Raptors) – A versatile two-way player with a scoring touch. Andrew Wiggins (Golden State Warriors) – A defensive-minded veteran who thrives on both ends. Dillon Brooks (Houston Rockets) – A defensive specialist who brings toughness and energy. Strengths Elite backcourt with SGA and Murray leading the offense. Balanced roster with depth in both scoring and defense. Momentum and confidence after their 2023 FIBA victory over Team USA. Weaknesses Limited team chemistry – Many of Canada’s stars don’t regularly play together. Lack of dominant size in the paint could be an issue against teams with strong big men. Serbia – The European Giants Why They Can Win Serbia has established itself as a basketball powerhouse, consistently challenging top teams in international tournaments. Their combination of elite NBA talent, strong fundamentals, and size makes them a difficult match-up. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) – A two-time NBA MVP, arguably the best passing big man in history. Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta Hawks) – A deadly perimeter shooter and experienced leader. Filip Petrusev (Philadelphia 76ers) – A skilled big man who provides floor spacing. Vasilije Micic (Oklahoma City Thunder) – A Euro-league MVP-level point guard who controls the tempo. Strengths Jokics dominance – No team has an answer for his unique skill set. Disciplined offense with precise passing and high basketball IQ. Strong rebounding and interior presence to challenge Team USA’s big. Weaknesses Lack of athleticism compared to USA’s high-flying squad. Defensive struggles against quick and dynamic perimeter players. Spain – The Experienced Contenders Why They Can Win Spain has been one of the most successful international teams in recent history, consistently competing for medals. Even without their legendary players, they remain a well-coached and disciplined team. Lorenzo Brown (EuroLeague) – A naturalized point guard with elite passing skills. Ricky Rubio (Cleveland Cavaliers) – A veteran leader with years of international success. Willy Hernangómez (FC Barcelona) – A strong post scorer and rebounder. Usman Garuba (Golden State Warriors) – A young, energetic defender. Strengths Experienced core that thrives in FIBA tournaments. Elite ball movement and teamwork. Disciplined defense and structured gameplay. Weaknesses Lack of a true superstar to compete with USA’s firepower. Aging roster may struggle against younger, faster teams. Can Team USA Still Dominate? Despite the increasing competition, Team USA is still the gold medal favorite. Their potential roster could feature: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) – The greatest shooter in NBA history. Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) – A proven Olympic champion. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) – If he plays, it could be his last Olympics. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) – A rising superstar. Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers) – A dominant defender and rebounder. Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) – An elite scorer. Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) – A dynamic playmaker. With unmatched depth, athleticism, and skill, the USA is still the team to beat. However, they cannot afford to underestimate their rivals. Final Thoughts: Who Has the Best Chance to Beat USA? If any team can dethrone Team USA, it’s France (home advantage + Wembanyama) or Canada (stacked NBA stars). Serbia also remains a dark horse, with Jokic’s dominance in the paint. That said, if Team USA brings its best roster, they should remain the favorites to defend their Olympic gold. “Previewing the 2025 Summer Olympics basketball tournament: Can France, Canada, or Serbia challenge Team USA’s dominance for the gold in Paris?”