Doha – July 26, 2026:
Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughaisib, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, affirmed that Qatar’s national basketball team continues its intensive preparations for the final stage of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. The comprehensive training program focuses on enhancing technical and physical readiness and strengthening players’ capabilities ahead of upcoming challenges.

Al-Mughaisib explained that Qatar will open its campaign in the second round of qualifiers by facing China on August 27 in Doha. He noted that the match will be held in one of the official arenas of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, coinciding with the start of the countdown to the global tournament.

Qatar will host the next edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup from August 27 to September 12, 2027 — the first time the event will be staged in the Middle East and North Africa. Lusail Arena will host the championship’s final.

The Federation President emphasized that Qatar’s participation in the Asian Qualifiers is part of a broader strategy to elevate the national team’s level, despite its guaranteed place in the World Cup as host nation. He stressed that competing against Asia’s strongest teams provides invaluable experience, raises competitiveness, and ensures peak readiness.

Al-Mughaisib highlighted the tough challenges ahead, with Qatar set to face China, Japan, and Korea in the final qualifying stage under a home‑and‑away format, as stipulated by FIBA regulations.

Qatar’s schedule begins with China on August 27, 2026 in Doha, followed by an away game against Japan on August 30. In the second window, Qatar will host Korea on November 26 and Japan on November 29. The campaign concludes in the third window with two away fixtures: China on February 26, 2027 and Korea on March 1, 2027.

Al-Mughaisib revealed that preparations are ongoing at all levels for hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, including testing venues and facilities that will stage the tournament. He affirmed that hosting this global event marks a historic milestone for Qatari basketball, offering a vital opportunity to strengthen the sport’s presence, develop national teams, and benefit from the organizational and technical expertise gained through such a major event.

He further noted that the national teams’ program includes participation of both the 5×5 and 3×3 squads in the 20th Asian Games, to be held in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. He stressed that this participation aligns with the Federation’s strategy to develop all national teams, increase exposure to diverse Asian basketball styles, and enhance players’ readiness for future competitions — most notably the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.