Doha – July 24, 2026:
Al Gharafa Sports Hall will open its doors on Saturday, July 25, 2026, to host the Gulf qualifiers for the FIBA Asia U-18 Basketball Championship. The tournament, staged in Doha from July 25 to 30 under the organization of the Qatar Basketball Federation, features the participation of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Strong competition is expected as teams vie for three qualifying spots to the continental finals scheduled in Ahmedabad, India, this August.

Qatar’s hosting of the qualifiers reaffirms its status as a leading destination for major regional and continental sporting events. The organizing committee has completed all technical and logistical preparations to provide optimal conditions for the participating teams, reflecting Qatar’s accumulated expertise in staging world-class competitions.

The qualifiers carry significant importance as the first step in the Gulf teams’ journey toward continental contention. The tournament will be played in a single round-robin format, with each team competing in four matches. The top three finishers will advance directly to the FIBA Asia U-18 Championship.

Beyond continental qualification, the event also serves as a gateway to the global stage. The Asian Championship will award four spots to the FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup, set to take place in the Czech Republic from June 26 to July 4, 2027, further elevating the stakes and intensity of competition.

Opening day action on Saturday, July 25, 2026, will feature two matches: Kuwait vs. Oman at 4:00 p.m., followed by Saudi Arabia vs. Bahrain at 6:00 p.m. Qatar will make its debut on Sunday, July 26, facing Saudi Arabia at 6:00 p.m., preceded by Bahrain vs. Kuwait at 4:00 p.m.

The schedule continues Monday, July 27, with Oman vs. Bahrain at 4:00 p.m., and Qatar vs. Kuwait at 6:00 p.m. After a rest day, play resumes Wednesday, July 29, with Saudi Arabia vs. Kuwait at 4:00 p.m., followed by Qatar vs. Oman at 6:00 p.m.

The qualifiers conclude Thursday, July 30, with Oman vs. Saudi Arabia at 4:00 p.m., before the curtain falls on the tournament with Qatar vs. Bahrain at 6:00 p.m.

The Qatar Basketball Federation views this competition as a vital step in its strategy to develop youth national teams and prepare a generation capable of competing at regional and continental levels. The qualifiers provide players with valuable experience and exposure, while serving the ultimate goal of securing qualification to the Asian finals.