Doha – 7 July 2026:
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has highlighted the journey of Qatar’s men’s national basketball team in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, the first edition of the tournament to be hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region from 27 August to 12 September 2027. This announcement followed the confirmation of standings for teams advancing to the second and final stage after the conclusion of the preliminary round.

Qatar secured third place in Group Six with ten points, equal to Japan in second place, while Lebanon topped the group with eleven points. Korea, China, and Saudi Arabia followed in fourth, fifth, and sixth place respectively, each with nine points. The Qatar Basketball Federation praised the national team’s strong performance in the preliminary stage and its deserved qualification to the next round, emphasizing that Qatar continues its campaign with ambition and determination to achieve the best results on court despite already securing automatic participation as the host nation of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.

The Federation reaffirmed its appreciation for the high level displayed by the team, stressing that participation in the qualifiers is a cornerstone of Qatar’s basketball development strategy, providing valuable experience and exposure against Asia’s strongest teams. It noted that competing in these qualifiers reflects Qatar’s ambitious vision to strengthen competitiveness, enhance technical and physical readiness, and reach the World Cup at a level that mirrors the sport’s rapid growth in the country. The Federation also commended the tremendous efforts of the players, coaching staff, and management during the preliminary stage, which featured intense and closely contested games, highlighting the team’s fighting spirit and ability to secure positive results against seasoned continental and international opponents.

Qatar finished second in Group Four with ten points, behind Lebanon with eleven, while Saudi Arabia placed third with nine and India ranked fourth with six. Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia advanced to the final stage carrying forward their points under FIBA’s qualification system. Three teams from each of the four preliminary groups advanced, with Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines from Group One, Japan, Korea, and China from Group Two, Iran, Jordan, and Syria from Group Three, and Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia from Group Four. In the final stage, Groups One and Three merged into Group Five, while Groups Two and Four merged into Group Six. Group Six now includes Lebanon with eleven points, Japan and Qatar with ten each, Korea, China, and Saudi Arabia with nine each.

Under the qualification format, each team faces only the opponents carried over from the other merged group, home and away. Qatar will therefore play Japan, Korea, and China twice each. The fixtures begin in August 2026 when Qatar hosts China in Doha on 27 August before traveling to Japan on 30 August. In November, Qatar will play Korea on 26 November and Japan on 29 November, both in Doha. The campaign concludes in February and March 2027 with away matches against China on 26 February and Korea on 1 March.

According to the qualification system, the top three teams from each group qualify directly for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, while the two fourth‑placed teams from Groups Five and Six will compete for the final qualifying spot. This brings the total to seven qualified teams plus host nation Qatar. The tournament will feature ninety‑two games, with the opening match on 27 August and the final at Lusail Arena on 12 September 2027. The Local Organizing Committee confirmed four venues: Lusail Arena, Al Attiya Arena, Al Duhail Arena, and Al Janoub Arena, which will be temporarily converted into a basketball venue under the name “Al Janoub Arena.” The committee also announced updated official names for the venues: Lusail, Al Attiya, Al Duhail, and Al Janoub.