MIES (Switzerland) - It’s time for First Round’s final flourish.
Through five riveting game days beginning June 29, a whopping 9 teams will punch their tickets to the Second Round, while four others exit.
Groups C and D, in particular, remain wide open. Only Qatar are guaranteed of a spot in next year’s global showpiece, by virtue of being host.
This means the remaining sides are all in with a shot to progress, provided results go their way.
The top three countries from each group progress to the Second Round.
What makes Groups C and D matchups particularly tantalizing is that there is an additional day of game play, by virtue of Window 2 engagements having been prematurely cut short.
Group C
The favorite: A perfect 3-0 record pithily captures the resurgence in Jordan basketball, under Coach Roy Rana. Jordan has always been a strong side in West Asia, but the addition of Jalen Harris at the start of this World Cup qualification cycle has raised the Falcons to the stratosphere. It remains to be seen whether Harris takes the floor in Amman during the two home games against Iraq and Iran.
Key matchup: Jordan vs Iran
The second head-to-head of Jordan vs Iran promises to be just as intense as their first go-around. In that instance, Jordan prevailed 73-60. But count Team Melli out at your own risk, as Asia’s perennial heavyweights seek to avenge their earlier defeat and prove they are still the top team in West Asia.
The underdog: Iraq
To say that 0-3 Iraq are struggling is an understatement. Another loss to Syria would condemn them to early elimination. Dynamic young power forward Abdullah Hayder Alibraheemi remains missing in action, after having injured himself in Window 1. With his continued absence, Asia Cup veteran Ramon Galloway will have to find a way to turn back the clock and drastically improve upon his 14 points per game production to give Iraq any chance of staying in the hunt.
Player to watch: Ahmad Al-Dwairi (JOR)
New star guard Jalen Harris may rightly attract all the attention, but Al-Dwairi remains the fulcrum around whom the whole team revolves. The 210 cm / 6'11" center remains at his unflappable best - averaging 14.3 points and 8 rebounds per game in these Qualifiers. Across a senior national team career now in its 13th year, Al-Dwairi is noted for his remarkable consistency. With two games against bottom-placed Iraq, and another against Team Melli, the 33-year-old promises to stay consistency personified.
Which teams will qualify?
Group D
The favorite: Lebanon
There’s a three-way tie currently between the Cedars, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. That said, Lebanon were still rebuilding their team chemistry when they lost to Qatar in the return leg of Window 1.
With two games against India and one against Saudi Arabia, a team they handily beat 94-64 in the second window, Lebanon will be keen to lose First Round on a 3-0 win streak and top Group D.
The big question though, is the availability of Wael Arakji in this window.
Key matchup: Qatar vs Saudi Arabia
While a resurgent Qatar will start off as favorites, especially playing at home, this will be the first time the two sides will be facing off in these Qualifiers.
The underdog: India
Global basketball’s sleeping giant India have always been South Asia’s best, but continental success has remained fleeting. Always boasting of one of the youngest squads, the upside is imminent. The only question on all our minds is when that potential will convert into consistent wins against the top sides.
At 0-3, the Young Cagers will have to pull off multiple miracles to have any shot at progressing the Second Round.
Player to watch: Ater Majok (LBN)
The soon-to-be 39-year-old, who was a constant and colorful inside presence for Lebanon, is returning to the national team after the 2025 Asia Cup Qualifiers. The Sudanese-born journeyman with stints in Egypt, Australia, and USA (58th pick with the LA Lakers in 2011) was included in the Cedars lineup still in its preliminary stage. We can expect some action packed minutes form the 210 cm / 6'11" center.
Which teams will qualify?
World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers will resume on June 29 and continue till July 6. Stream the action on Courtside 1891, with live games and on-demand replays. Blackouts might apply in certain territories.
FIBA