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Qatar will open their campaign in the second window of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 by hosting India today at 10pm at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall. The Group D encounter is one of the standout fixtures of the window, while Lebanon face Saudi Arabia in Beirut. Saudi Arabia currently lead the standings with four points after consecutive victories over India (75-51 and 81-57). Qatar sit second on three points following a narrow 75-74 defeat to Lebanon before responding with an impressive 86-83 away win in the opening window. Lebanon are level on points with Qatar in third place, while India remain fourth with two points after losing both of their opening matches. The clash therefore presents Qatar with an important opportunity to strengthen their position ahead of Monday’s decisive meeting against Saudi. Qatar prepared for the India and Saudi fixtures with an overseas training camp in Turkey under head coach Hakan Demir. The camp focused on improving team chemistry, expanding tactical options and enhancing physical readiness ahead of the demanding qualification window. But Qatar seem to have overcome a huge psychological barrier in the previous window by beating the Lebanon in Beirut. The fact that they are hosting the next FIBA Basketball World Cup lends additional heft to the argument that they will continue to find ways to improve. The flipside though, is the risk of complacency. With a spot in the global showpiece assured, Qatar look to vital experience. The national side will again rely on key performers Brandon Goodwin and Alen Hadzibegovic, who impressed during the opening round. Hadzibegovic averaged 16.5 points and 11 rebounds, while Goodwin contributed 21 points, seven rebounds and 7.5 assists per game, forming the backbone of Qatar’s offensive and defensive approach. The Asian and Oceania qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four groups. Group A includes Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Guam, while Group B consists of Japan, China, South Korea and Chinese Taipei. Group C features Iran, Jordan, Syria and Iraq, with Group D comprising Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and India. The top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, where they will be reorganised into two new groups. From there, three teams from each group along with the best fourth-placed side overall will qualify for the 2027 World Cup. The qualification process will be played across six competition windows running from November 2025 to March 2027, allowing teams preparation time between official rounds. The remaining windows are scheduled for June-July 2026, August-September 2026, November-December 2026 and February-March 2027. 

FIBA WASL (West Asia Super League) has strengthened its commercial and sporting profile by securing a new official game ball partnership for the 2025–2026 season, underscoring the league’s continued growth and rising regional influence. Under the agreement, global sports apparel provider Decathlon has partnered with eVulpa, the exclusive rights holder of FIBA WASL, to serve as the league’s official game ball partner. The partnership covers all competitions across the Sub-Zone leagues, including the FIBA WASL-Gulf League and FIBA WASL-West Asia League, as well as the season-ending FIBA WASL Final 8. As part of the exclusive arrangement, Decathlon will supply all official basketballs for the competition, providing game balls to the 18 participating teams. The brand will also feature prominently across arenas and league marketing platforms throughout the season. Speaking to Gulf Times, Stephany Sabella, Head of Sports Marketing at Azadea, said the partnership reflects the company’s broader commitment to basketball across all levels of the sport. “At Decathlon, we don’t look at basketball only through the lens of elite competition; we look at the entire ecosystem, from kids picking up a ball for the first time to amateur leagues and professional players competing at the highest level,” she said. “This partnership with the FIBA WASL Championship sits perfectly at the top of that ecosystem. It allows us to support professional basketball in a credible, meaningful way, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to growing the sport at grassroots level across West Asia and the Gulf. For us, this isn’t just visibility; it’s about legitimacy, consistency, and impact,” Sabella added. Basketball’s strong appeal among young audiences is also a key focus of the collaboration. Sabella noted that the partnership creates a direct connection between aspiration and access for emerging players. “When young players see the same ball used in WASL games available in Decathlon stores, it sends a powerful message: this game is for you too,” she said. “Beyond products, we are looking at activations, youth engagement, and community initiatives that inspire the next generation to play more, play better, and stay connected to the sport.” Reflecting on the league’s development, Sabella said FIBA WASL has evolved rapidly since its launch. “WASL has grown incredibly fast, not just in scale, but in credibility and influence. It has become a true platform for showcasing regional talent, elevating club competition, and uniting basketball fans across multiple markets,” she said. “What excites me most is that WASL is not just organizing games, it’s building a basketball culture in the region.” A representative of eVulpa highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership for the league. “This partnership comes at a crucial time for FIBA WASL and reflects the strong position the league has achieved. It adds another dimension to the competition and helps promote the game among the important youth segment of basketball fans,” the representative said. Launched in 2022, FIBA WASL is a regional club competition organised by FIBA Asia, featuring leading teams from West Asia, the Gulf, and Central and South Asia. The league is played in multiple stages, beginning with Sub-Zone competitions and culminating in the FIBA WASL Final 8. The FIBA WASL-West Asia League includes the champion club of Kazakhstan alongside teams from the West Asia Sub-Zone, while the FIBA WASL-Gulf League features clubs from the Gulf Sub-Zone. The top three teams from each league, along with the winner of a play-off between the two fourth-placed teams and the South Asia Sub-Zone champion, advance to the Final 8. From there, the top two teams qualify for the BCL Asia.

As appetizers go for FIBA Basketball World Cups, the first-ever Mini World Cup in Qatar is a big hit. Thirty-two secondary school teams have already squared off on the hardwood in the first round, aiming to become the champion of the inaugural competition. The second round gets underway Tuesday. “It’s been wonderful,” said Mohammad Mishal al-Khuzai of the Hassan Bin Thabit School. “It’s a new experience for me. I really loved the idea of making a World Cup for schools in Qatar. It’s a new idea never seen before. I hope other countries implement the same idea.” Gabriel Adonis of the Philippine School said: “The Mini World Cup tournament has been exciting and challenging because my team and I get to go against different teams and experience different levels of competition.” The Mini World Cup is part of the School Olympic Program and is being organized under the supervision of FIBA in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation. The 32 secondary schools from across Qatar are competing under their official school names. The league mirrors the competition format of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, allowing players to create a connection to next year's big event that will feature the best national teams from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Dhiyato Tarawi of Al Maahad Addinee Boys Preparatory School raved about "the organisation, the competitive spirit, and the overall atmosphere" of the league while Rayan Al Khoury of the Lebanese school said, "we’re having fun competing against other schools.” The tournament will culminate in a grand final in May 2026 at Aspire Dome. That will not be the end of the Mini World Cup, however. There will also be a second season (2026-27), when schools will represent the official national teams that qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The World Cup field will be complete once the last of the qualifiers are played on March 1, 2027. “I'm so excited to watch the 2027 World Cup in Qatar, knowing that the competition is going to be amazing and to watch big name players compete with their countries,” al-Khoury said. There will be a lot of enthusiasm around the national team of Qatar, which will be making its first World Cup appearance since 2006, when it competed in Hamamatsu, Japan. Qatar, assured of a spot in the World Cup as hosts, are still taking part in the qualifiers. In the first window, it played in two thrilling wire-to-wire encounters against Lebanon, losing the first at home and winning the second at the Cedars. “I'm extremely excited to see Qatar participating in the World Cup as we're the hosts,” Mohammad Mishal al-Khuzai said. “And Qatar is known for being an amazing host. I wish all the best to Qatar!” Adonis echoed his thoughts, saying: "I’m really excited about the possibility of watching Qatar play in the 2027 World Cup. The idea of seeing the national team compete on home soil feels amazing. Just thinking about the energy of the crowd and the pride of supporting our team live makes me look forward to it even more.” Dhiyato Tarawi is pumped up about having the best teams in the world come to Qatar. "I am very excited about the prospect of watching my national team compete at the World Cup in Qatar in 2027,” he said. “It would be an exceptional and meaningful opportunity to witness such an important global event taking place in my home country.” Meanwhile, the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers are set to resume at the end of next month. The second international window games will be played in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas from February 27 through March 2. Qatar will play twice at home at Lusail Multipurpose Hall in Doha, facing India on February 27 and Saudi Arabia on March 2. 

The Organising Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, in collaboration with the Qatar School Sports Association, announced Sunday the launch of the inaugural Basketball Mini World Cup, to be held in Doha across two seasons (2025–2026 and 2026–2027). This pioneering initiative marks the first of its kind in the Middle East. The announcement came during a press conference Sunday, attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid al-Thani, Director of Sports Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar School Sports Association; Mohamed Saad al-Mughaseeb, Director General of the Organising Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 and President of the Qatar Basketball Federation; Saadon Sabah al-Kuwari, Executive Director of the Sports Department at the Organising Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027; and Abdulrahman al-Muftah, Executive Director of the School Olympic Program; alongside senior officials and representatives from the Organising Committee, the Qatar School Sports Association, and local media. As part of the School Olympic Program, the tournament is being organised under the supervision of FIBA in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation. It will mirror the competitive format of the Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, offering a unique school-level simulation of one of the world’s premier sporting spectacles. In a remarkable prelude to the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, the Mini Basketball World Cup will bring together 32 secondary schools from across Qatar competing under their official names in the first season from November 4, 2025, to April 2026, and under the names of the qualified national teams in the second season aligned with the 2026–2027 Olympic Program creating an inspiring simulation of the global tournament. The Mini World Cup aims to blend education and sport in a distinctive experience that brings students closer to one of the biggest international events ever staged in Qatar. It will offer young athletes a real taste of competition, while instilling values of teamwork, collaboration, and community service. A series of interactive activities will accompany the tournament, giving students and schools the chance to experience the journey of preparing for the World Cup, deepening their passion for basketball and appreciation of the sport’s cultural and educational legacy. Speaking on the occasion, Mohamed Saad al-Mughaiseeb stressed that the launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup represents a pioneering step: “For the first time in the Middle East, we are connecting our youth to one of the world’s greatest sporting events. This initiative offers them a unique opportunity that combines athletic challenge with meaningful educational experiences, nurturing their skills while instilling the values of excellence and teamwork.” Al-Mughaiseeb added that: “The ultimate goal of this tournament is to raise sporting awareness among students, link them to the legacy of basketball both in Qatar and internationally, and reinforce sport as a cultural, educational, and human value that inspires future generations.” For his part, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid al-Thani said:” “Through this partnership, we aim for the tournament to leave a lasting legacy, encompassing state-of-the-art sports facilities, development programs for youth and juniors, and increased participation in sports across all segments of society, while ensuring the highest standards of organisation and providing an unforgettable experience for student-athletes.” Sheikh Khalifa emphasised: “We stand on the threshold of a global event eagerly awaited by millions. With the concerted efforts of our partners at both the international and local federations, and with your media support playing a pivotal role in conveying our message, we are confident that we will deliver a championship marked by exceptional sportsmanship and remarkable achievements.” The launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup underlines Qatar’s vision to enhance school sports, instil social and educational values through athletics, and nurture a generation capable of proudly representing the nation on the global stage.

The Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 has taken a major step toward strengthening the cultural and heritage dimension of the tournament by signing a landmark cooperation and cultural partnership agreement with the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, the Qatar Basketball Federation, and the FIBA Foundation (the social and legacy arm of the International Basketball Federation).At the outset of the signing ceremony, Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Museums, and Mohammed Saad al-Mughaseeb, Director General of the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 and President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, expressed their profound gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, and Her Excellency HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums' Board of Trustees, for their unwavering support in advancing both the sporting and cultural sectors through the integration of culture and sport.The cooperation and cultural partnership agreement was then signed by Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Rumaihi and Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Mughaseeb, in the presence of Mr. Abdullah Yousuf Al-Mulla, Director of the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and Mr. Fahad Ibrahim Gumaa, Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Integration at the Organizing Committee, alongside guests and representatives of media outlets.This agreement seeks to create a comprehensive framework for collaboration and coordination, paving the way for educational, awareness, marketing, and documentation initiatives that showcase the legacy of basketball at both the local and international levels. It also reinforces Qatar’s standing as a premier global hub for sport and culture.Under the agreement, the partners will host joint exhibitions and showcases on basketball heritage at the 3-2-1 Museum, organize community and interactive fan events both inside and outside the museum, and deliver educational programs, school visits, and workshops exploring the history of the game and its leadership. The initiative will also document the history of basketball in Qatar through collections, digitization, and oral history, while granting access to FIBA’s historical archive for research purposes.On the promotional front, the partners will launch joint digital campaigns, develop commemorative merchandise, and create retail opportunities tied to the World Cup. As part of the legacy and artistic development strand, plans include building community courts decorated with art inspired by the 2027 World Cup, launching joint initiatives to develop coaches, and collecting and preserving memorabilia for future generations.On this occasion, Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Rumaihi said: We believe that sport and culture are powerful tools for encouraging community engagement and strengthening national identity. Through them, creativity flourishes, social cohesion is reinforced, and innovation grows , all of which are fundamental pillars for building a diverse, knowledge-based society.He added: “In this context, I wish to express my appreciation to our partners at the Qatar Basketball Federation and the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 for this constructive collaboration. Together, we look forward to achieving great successes that will leave a lasting legacy for Qatar’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.”Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Mughaisib said: “This partnership connects our proud sporting history with our thriving present and bright future. The museum preserves our achievements and showcases our sporting heritage, while the tournament opens doors to a global legacy, highlighting Qatar as a leading sports destination. Through this collaboration, we aim to offer fans and visitors a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond the court—blending the excitement of sports with culture and knowledge, while inspiring future generations through events that celebrate basketball’s legacy.”At a press conference held on the sidelines of signing ceremony, Abdullah Yousuf al-Mulla, Director of the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum told the media that the agreement plays a vital promotional, cultural, and educational role in introducing the world to Qatar’s rich culture and its proven ability to host major sporting events. He added that the museum serves as a strategic partner in advancing Qatar National Vision 2030 through programs, workshops, cultural sports exhibitions, and school visits that allow students to engage directly with global basketball stars.For his side, Fahad Ibrahim Gumaa, Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Integration at LOC, noted that this partnership aims to promote basketball and the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, while continuing to build collaboration and investment to connect people across the region and the world with Qatar’s sporting legacy. He highlighted that the initiative will also educate fans and showcase the memorabilia of legendary basketball players, as part of Qatar’s ongoing cooperation with FIBA.

Today marks two years to go for the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 in Qatar. The most prestigious Basketball tournament in the world will begin with the opening game on 27 August 2027 and will conclude with the final at Lusail Multipurpose Hall, in Lusail on 12 September 2027.On this occasion of this milestone the Local Organizing Committee confirms the four World Cup venues that will host the 92 games. The four venues are Lusail Multipurpose Hall, Duhail Sports Hall, Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, Al Janoub, they will be renamed to Lusail Arena, Duhail Arena, Al Attiyah Arena and Al Janoub Arena respectively -just for the tournament- to ensure homogeneity.It will be the first time in the history of the Basketball World Cup that games will be played in a Football World Cup Stadium. Al Janoub will be converted to a Basketball Arena with its capacity exceeding the 8.000 spectators’ seats, honoring Qatar’s dedication to sustainability and continuing its legacy, connecting the two great sporting events.FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Director General, President of Qatar Basketball Federation and Member of the FIBA Foundation, Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb said: “Two years ago, Qatar won the bid to host the Fiba Basketball World Cup in 2027. It is a great honor and responsibility to deliver the best World Cup in the history, as well as to continue the legacy of our country in organizing successful sporting events.Three of our venues are ready and we are working on one of the most distinguished projects in the history of our sport to transform a Football Stadium into a Basketball Arena. Al Janoub Arena will be the pinnacle of our efforts. Our main goal for the next two years is to continue to raise awareness and to leave a legacy for the game of Basketball both in Qatar and the whole Mena region. Exactly in two years, Qatar will welcome fans from all over the world. I can assure you that the members of the Local Organizing Committee, all our stakeholders and with the continuous support of the government Qatar will be ready to deliver an unforgettable experience to the Basketball world”.To celebrate this 2 Years to Go milestone FIBA with the support of the FBWC Qatar 2027 LOC has launched a fans registration website, to declare their interest and stay connected with all tournament updates, including early ticketing information.