The tournament ‘Mini World Cup’ 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.
The Organising Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, in collaboration with the Qatar School Sports Association, announced on Sunday the launch of the inaugural Basketball Mini World Cup, to be held in Doha across two seasons, 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 respectively.
The pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in the Middle East, was announced on Sunday during a press conference at Al Wajbah Hall, Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters.
Organised under the School Olympic Program, the tournament will be held under the supervision of FIBA, in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF).
“For the first time in the Middle East, we are connecting our youth to one of the world’s greatest sporting events,” said Mohamed Saad Al-Mughaiseeb, Director General of the Organising Committee for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, at the opening of the press conference. He stressed that the launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup marks a pioneering step for youth engagement in the region.
The QBF secured the hosting rights for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 two years ago, with Doha confirmed as the sole venue for all tournament games.
The tournament ‘Mini World Cup’ 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.
“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,” said Al-Mughaiseeb.
In its inaugural season, 32 secondary schools from across Qatar will compete under their official school names, with the tournament set to culminate in a grand finale at Aspire Dome in May 2026.
In the second season, schools will represent the official national teams that qualify for the Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, creating an even more authentic connection with the global event.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of Sports Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar School Sports Association elucidated that this is 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,” Sheikh Khalifa said.
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.
“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.
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.
