The Mini World Cup 2025-26 season concluded yesterday at Aspire Academy with the Lebanese School winning the title after overcoming the Philippine International School Qatar (PISQ), 58-47.
The tournament was held under the auspices of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) and the Qatar School Sports Federation.
The Lebanese team claimed the title of the inaugural edition, held in a vibrant atmosphere and attended by members of the Organising Committee, Lebanese and Filipino supporters.
During the awards ceremony, QBF secretary-general Saadoun Sabah al-Kuwari, joined by FIBA World Basketball Cup Qatar 2027 director Predrag Bogosavljev and Ahmed al-Darwish, competitions director of the Organising Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, crowned Lebanese School with the championship trophy and gold medals.
The PISQ secured second place with silver medals, while GEMS American Academy Qatar claimed third place and bronze medals.
The tournament stood as a pioneering initiative in the Middle East and globally, delivered through a competitive format inspired by the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.
It reflects Qatar’s commitment to sustainability in sport, its dedication to building a lasting basketball legacy, and its efforts to expand the game’s popularity across the region.
This event coincided with the finals of the School Olympic Programme for the 2025-26 seasons, within a comprehensive vision that blends athletic excellence with educational values.
This approach contributes to developing a generation that is both sports-aware and socially responsible, capable of supporting the future of basketball while strengthening sport as a platform for human connection and friendship among nations.
Thirty-two secondary schools from across Qatar participated in the 2025-26 season of the Mini World Cup, representing a diverse and vibrant educational landscape.
Based on the final standings of the 2025-26 season, participating schools in the second edition (2026-27) will be eligible to represent the national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.
This initiative strengthens students’ connection to the global event and adds a strategic dimension beyond competition, contributing to a sustainable sporting legacy and reinforcing basketball’s growing presence locally and regionally.
“By empowering young talents and students, we are not only raising awareness but also laying the foundations for a strong and sustainable basketball legacy,” Bogosavljev said. “Attracting more youth to the sport in this region remains a key objective.”
Al-Kuwari highlighted the tournament’s success as an advanced model for leveraging sport as a tool for education and development.
He emphasised that it fostered teamwork, encouraged active student participation, and expanded opportunities for volunteering, further supporting the growth and popularity of basketball among youth.
Al-Darwish lauded the success of the 2025-26 World Cup season, highlighting it as a progressive educational model that seamlessly integrates sport and learning under a unified vision.
Mini World Cup Project director Marwan Egho said that the tournament’s organisation embodies our unwavering commitment to upholding FIBA standards in officiating, competition formats, and court specifications.
Sharing his thoughts after securing the inaugural Mini World Cup title, Lebanese School coach Gaspard Ishak commended the tournament’s excellent organisation and said that his team is determined to defend their crown in the next edition.
PISQ head coach Arsenio Lacson voiced his satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their solid display despite some lapses in rebounding and ball control, and conceding that the better side prevailed in the end.