Heart as Big as a House: Serbia Reach U17 World Championship Final After Thrilling Victory Over Turkey

In a tense semifinal that evoked memories of the 2010 senior World Cup clash, Serbia's U17 team held their nerve to defeat Turkey 76-71 in Istanbul, with Nikola Kusturica scoring 25 points and Matija Lukić delivering a decisive late run.

Istanbul, Turkey – July 5, 2026: The former Abdi İpekçi Arena, now home to Anadolu Efes, was packed almost to capacity for the U17 World Championship semifinal. The atmosphere was electric, with the passionate home crowd rallying behind a talented Turkish team led by Ömer Kutlay, the son of former Turkish star İbrahim Kutlay. Serbia, however, were not intimidated. They embraced the challenge and produced a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

The Young Eagles, Serbia's U17 national team, booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 76-71 victory over Turkey. The win was secured in a contest that bore an uncanny resemblance to the 2010 FIBA World Championship semifinal between the two nations' senior teams, a game that ended in heartbreak for Serbia. This time, however, the outcome was different. Serbia's youngsters repaid an old debt and demonstrated that they possess the heart, composure, and basketball intelligence required to succeed at the highest level.

Nikola Kusturica once again carried the team offensively, finishing as Serbia's leading scorer with 25 points. His performance was complemented by Matija Lukić, who added 20 points and produced a decisive scoring run late in the game. Ognjen Simjanovski chipped in with 10 points, several of which came at pivotal moments when Serbia needed to settle the game. The victory was a complete team effort, with contributions from across the roster.

The game began at a frantic pace. Turkey made the first move, but Serbia responded through Kusturica and Lukić, who combined for 13 points in the opening quarter to erase the deficit and give the visitors the lead after the first period. The second quarter featured an excellent stretch from Miličić, the son of the famous Serbian center, who brought toughness and energy to the floor. Serbia went into halftime leading by eight points, despite failing to make a single three-pointer in the opening half.

Simjanovski quickly changed that after the break, knocking down Serbia's first three-pointer and setting the tone for an excellent third quarter. Although Ömer Kutlay kept Turkey within striking distance, Serbia maintained control thanks to relentless energy on both ends of the floor. Lukić connected from beyond the arc again, while Kusturica and Stepanović extended Serbia's lead to 13 points. However, the Young Eagles appeared to relax slightly, allowing Beşir to spark Turkey's comeback and forcing head coach Stevan Mijović to call a timeout. It failed to halt the momentum, as Kutlay took command and led the hosts all the way back into the game.

Inspired by the home crowd, Turkey eventually overturned the deficit, leaving Serbia trailing. It looked as though the Young Eagles were running out of steam—until Kusturica ignited the team with a thunderous dunk that restored belief. Lukić then buried one three-pointer, followed immediately by another, putting Serbia back in front. Turkey stayed within striking distance, refusing to give up. But when Serbia needed a hero once more, Simjanovski delivered another clutch three-pointer that all but sealed the victory.

The win sends Serbia to the World Championship final, where they will face the United States for the gold medal. It is a remarkable achievement for a generation that many consider one of Serbia's brightest in recent years. Head coach Stevan Mijović's squad has displayed tremendous character throughout the tournament, and their performance in Istanbul has only strengthened that reputation.

The final against the United States will be a formidable challenge, but Serbia have already proven they can handle pressure and deliver when it matters most. For this group of young players, the sky truly is the limit.