Canada wrapped up a strong showing at the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup 2025 with a fifth-place finish in Lausanne, Switzerland, highlighted by several standout performances and a competitive run against the world’s top teams.
The tournament tipped off with an 80-72 win over China, where Canada showcased its depth and balance. Efeosa Oliogu led the way with 17 points, while Maxime Meyer, Jaion Pitt, and Spencer Ahrens each contributed double-digit scoring efforts in a well-rounded team performance.
Canada’s second game against Slovenia produced one of the most remarkable comebacks in the competition’s history. After trailing by as many as 17 points and facing a 13-point deficit at halftime, Canada erupted with a 35-point third quarter while holding Slovenia to just nine. Jordan Charles led the charge with 27 points —including five three-pointers— alongside 6 rebounds and 5 assists, as Canada pulled away to win by 19.
The group stage concluded with a tough 104-88 loss to Germany, despite a 21-point effort from Oliogu and a strong fourth-quarter push. Canada finished second in Pool B, advancing to the knockout rounds.
In the Round of 16, Canada delivered a dominant 100-75 victory over Mali, with Tristan Beckford contributing 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. The win set up a highly anticipated quarter-final matchup with the United States.
In one of the most competitive games of the tournament, Canada pushed the eventual gold medallists to the limit. The game remained close throughout, with Canada trailing by just one point (79–78) heading into the fourth quarter and briefly taking the lead. Four players scored in double figures—Beckford (16 points, 6 rebounds), Charles (19 points, 5 assists), Adriel Nyorha (15 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists), and Oliogu (13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists)—as every Canadian player who saw the floor got on the scoreboard. Despite their efforts, Canada fell 108-102 in a hard-fought battle.
In classification play, Canada bounced back with a dominant 93-61 win over Switzerland. Charles, Oliogu, and Abdul Aziz Olajuwon each finished with 13 points, while Ahrens added 14.
Canada wrapped up the tournament with a 75-72 victory over Australia in the fifth-place game. Beckford led the team once again with 17 points and 5 rebounds, securing a top-five finish for Canada on the world stage.
Jordan Charles, who emerged as a leader throughout the tournament, was named to the FIBA U19 World Cup All-Second Team. He finished as Canada’s leading scorer (13.0 PPG) and top playmaker (4.9 APG), capping off a breakout performance against elite global competition.
With depth, resilience, and standout individual performances, Canada’s U19 squad proved they can compete with the best in the world—laying a strong foundation for the future of Canadian basketball.