FIBA World Cup 2027: Road to Qatar packed with exciting clashes

The draw in Doha revealed opponents of the 80 nations that will compete for the 32 slots in the FIBA World Cup 2027.

The qualifiers of the FIBA World Cup 2027 in Qatar will witness exciting clashes across all four confederations as battle lines were finalised at the draw ceremony held in Doha’s Al Hazm Mall on Tuesday.

International Basketball Federation (FIBA)’s Global Ambassador Carmelo Anthony was joined by Qatar’s high-jump ace Mutaz Barshim, British long-distance running icon Sir Mo Farah and GCC Basketball legend Yassin Mousa to set the cast in a studded ceremony.

Qatar will face the likes of Lebanon, India and neighbours Saudi Arabia in Group D of the first round of Asian qualifiers, the draw confirmed.

Anthony (left) and Barshim (right) during the ceremony on Tuesday. (Photo/ Qatar Olympic Committee)

In addition to Qatar Olympic Committee President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and Qatar Basketball Federation President Mohammed Al-Meghaiseeb attended the event.

Members of the FIBA Central Board and more than 60 representatives from National Federations around the globe were also present on the occasion.

Qatar will become the first Arab hosts and will stage the most compact tournament till date with all venues within Doha’s bounds — much like the FIFA World Cup 2022.

The qualifiers will provide excellent grounds for Al Annabi to prepare for the premier competition without added pressure, as Qatar have already secured automatic qualification as hosts of the quadrennial tournament.

It will be the Gulf nation’s second appearance in the competition, having first competed in 2006, where they finished 21st.

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Stakes will be higher for the rest with the qualifiers set to commence in November later this year, which will see 80 nations compete to punch a ticket to the Qatari capital.

After more than 420 games spread across six windows until Match 2027, only 32 teams will make it to the finals, set to be held in August and September in two years’ time.

Most spots will go to European teams at 12, followed by the Americas’ 7, Africa’s 5 and Asia and Oceania’s 7, excluding hosts Qatar.

Germany will arrive in Doha as the defending champions, having won the 19th edition of the flagship tournament undefeated in 2023. The competition was jointly held by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

Here is the complete draw of the qualifiers: