MIES (Switzerland) - From 16, we are down to 12, and from 12, we have the six teams in Group E, who will be fighting for just three spots in next year's global showpiece - with a bit of a twist.
Australia, Iran, Philippines, Jordan, New Zealand and Syria - a truly diverse group stretching from Oceania, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
With results from the First Round carried forward to Window 4, the stakes are higher than ever.
You can check out exactly how the teams can qualify here.
Group E
New Zealand, Philippines and Syria start from outside the qualification cutoffs. The latter two are in a particularly precarious situation, coming in with just two wins under their belt. But neither Iran nor Jordan can get complacent, up against the 'perfect' Boomers, the physical Tall Blacks, and the fiesty Gilas Pilipinas.
So are you ready for the Group E fireworks?
The favorite: Australia
For a side ranked seventh in the world, finished top ten in the previous World Cup, and a full 270 points ahead of the next best team in Asia (Japan, WR 22), you can be forgiven for believing the World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers will be a cakewalk for the Boomers.
A First Round 6-0 sweep lends added heft to the reigning Asia Cup 2025 champions’ tag as Group E favorites.
But dig a little deeper and you see rivals looming ever larger in Australia’s rear-view mirrors.
In the First Round, New Zealand threatened upsets not once but twice, before being bailed out both times by William “Davo” Hickey.
Even the 2025 continental title against China came courtesy of a go-ahead bucket from Hickey.
So the question now is whether Australia’s Second Round opponents – Iran, Jordan and Syria – can turn into the kryptonites that bring down the high-flying Boomers.
The mind says ‘unlikely’, but these Asian Qualifiers have been nothing short of surprises.
Key matchups
Iran vs New Zealand (August 28)
Jordan vs Philippines (August 28)
Philippines vs Iran (August 30)
After progressing with a 2-4 record, Philippines have their work cut out in Window 4. High-intensity matchups with Jordan and Iran in a span of 48 hours will test Gilas’ grit and resilience.
Ironically, with the benefit of having been exposed to the quality of Australia and New Zealand in the First Round – and having pushed the Tall Blacks to the limit both times, Philippines will fancy their chances, especially against the Falcons who currently sit two spots below them at 41 in the World Rankings.
On their part, Jordan will like nothing more than to repeat the favorable 91-90 outcome from their previous meeting in the Second Round of the World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.
Tall Blacks taking on Team Melli in Manila on August 28 is another bruising battle all set to unfold the next chapter in an already fierce rivalry.
In their previous head-to-head, it was Iran that exulted following a 79-73 verdict that not only secured them the Asia Cup 2025 bronze, but also displaced New Zealand from the same spot on the podium.
The underdog: Syria
Undoubtedly the weakest member of an otherwise stacked group, Syria did well to win both their First Round matchups against Iraq.
But Window 4 is a challenge of an entirely different magnitude.
Stanley Davis Jr, Donte Lamont Mc Gill, and the remaining support cast will have more than their share to contend with against Oceanic powerhouses Australia and New Zealand. The impact of the possible addition of West Asian Super League scoring star James Justice, Jr. will also be closely watched.
Players to watch
Jalen Harris - JORDAN
FORWARD
Birth Date: Aug 14, 1998 (28 years old)
Height: 196 cm / 6'5"
For Jordan to get past Philippines and challenge Australia, a lot’s riding on Harris. After dropping 42 against Syria in Window 1, Harris has relatively cooled off, yet at 27 points per game, leads all scorers in these Asian Qualifiers.
The ex-Toronto Raptor has shown his ability to heat up against any comers. Currently third in Group E, with the 5-1 First Round results carrying over to the Second Round, the Falcons will need to maintain their top three position if they are to make only their fourth-ever FIBA World Cup appearance.
Jordan’s road to Qatar will depend on Harris not just staying in the driver’s seat but also hitting top gear.
Luke Travers - AUSTRALIA
FORWARD
Birth Date: Sep 3, 2001 (24 years old)
Height: 200 cm / 6'7"
Returning to the Boomers after a near four-year gap, Travers now comes bearing the ‘NBA’ label, having suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers over the last two seasons.
Though with Australia’s always deep roster, Travers will perhaps need to play only limited minutes against Syria on August 28, followed by Jordan on August 30.
Kai Sotto – PHILIPPINES
CENTER
Birth Date: May 11, 2002 (24 years old)
Height: 216 cm / 7'1"
With Justin Brownlee unavailable for the upcoming window, Sotto’s return couldn’t have come at a more crucial time.
Gilas limped into the Second Round with a 2-4 card after the first three windows. The do-or-die situation will require a ‘prime Sotto’ the likes of whom Gilas have not seen in nearly two years, since the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers back in November 2024.
Having recovered from an ACL injury suffered last year, Sotto will be keen to show he hasn’t lost a step.
Mohammad Amini - Iran
FORWARD
Birth Date: Apr 26, 2005 (21 years old)
Height: 201 cm / 6'7"
With a late announcement proclaiming his return, Amini's showing his clutch instincts stretch beyond on court action. It's a big window of games coming up for Team Melli, pitted against New Zealand and Philippines, so Amini's return to national team duty marks a welcome boost.
Currently competing in France's top-flight pro league, the 21-year-old's all-round dynamism on the wing, reflected by his near 15 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists at the Asia Cup 2025, will prove invaluable in the Second Round.
Window 4 tips off on August 27 at 19:00 GMT with two Group F games, followed by Group E on August 28.
FIBA