MIES (Switzerland) - The First Round of what's been an action-packed FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is coming to a close now that its third and final window gets rolling weeks from now.
And given that the games are fast approaching, here's what you need to know about the busy window ahead.
Busy, we say? Read on to learn more.
Which teams are playing?
The same 16 teams in the four groups will continue to see action, namely:
Group A: Australia, Guam, New Zealand, and the Philippines Group B: Chinese Taipei, China, Japan, and Korea Group C: Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria Group D: India, Qatar, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia
What are the situations in each group?
After two windows, only the Boomers and the Falcons remain undefeated. Teams such as the Tall Blacks and Team Dragon have turned their fortunes around by sweeping their Window 2 assignments after 0-2 starts.
The likes of Chinese Taipei and Syria are keen on winning more after breaking through last February, while winless sides Guam, Iraq, and India are hoping against hope that they could make one final push to stay alive.
Which stars will be playing?
Only a few teams have announced their preliminary rosters for Window 3 but there's been much excitement growing already, given the amount of big names that we could see in action in a few weeks time.
Japan, for one, have recently unveiled an 18-man pool for the games ahead led by Yuta Watanabe and Keisei Tominaga - a pool that's part of a vast squad featuring 53 players, which includes Rui Hachimura.
Korea, a squad hungry to fan their aspirations after a tough Window 2, released 16 names that make up a strong group of players.
Last but not the least are Australia, who are expected to parade 6-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton in his first-ever national team foray, representing a country where he's enjoyed tremendous success as a professional.
Stay updated on your team's rosters for Window 2 through our tracker, here:
When will the games be played?
The third window will raise its curtains on June 29 and conclude on July 6, with the first day of competitions featuring teams from Groups C and D as their games postponed back in Window 2 will be played.
What is at stake?
Majority of the teams competing in Window 3 are jockeying for spots in the Second Round, with 13 squads looking to follow Australia, the Philippines, and hosts Qatar in the next phase which commences in August.
For a quick refresher, both the Boomers and Gilas got their tickets during Window 2, with the defending two-time FIBA Asia Cup champions, as mentioned above, remaining perfect as they're toting a 4-0 card.
Check the tracker:
Which games are must-watch?
Ideally, you want to watch all of the games.
But if you really want to narrow it down, check here:
How do we watch Window 3?
The games will be available on DAZN. Geographic restrictions may apply in certain territories, so fans are encouraged to check each game's page for local viewing information. More broadcast information will be provided as the competition approaches. Fans can also follow the action and highlights through the official FIBA and World Cup platforms on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X. Be sure to use the hashtag #FIBAWC. In addition, fans can download the official Qualifiers app from the App Store or Google Play.
How can we purchase tickets?
Stay tuned on the website's Games page for more details.
Is there an app?
Yes. Download the official FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers app on the App Store or Google Play.
How can we stay updated?
Always make sure to check out - and follow, forget not - the FIBA Basketball World Cup's official Facebook, Instagram, and X channels to be up-to-date with the latest about the game's biggest spectacle.
FIBA