MIES (Switzerland) - We are still bang in the middle of Window 4 of the Second Round, and already distinct patterns are emerging. So it would be remiss of us not to point them out.
The top three from Groups E and F, and the best-placed fourth team, will qualify for next year's World Cup in Qatar.
There's another game left to play for every side, before Window 4 draws to a close.
Thereafter, we have two more windows that will finally decide which seven of the 12 Second Round participants will represent Asia at the global showpiece, besides the hosts Qatar.
Check out which - if any - teams can already qualify for the World Cup in the next gameday?
Here are how the two groups currently stack up, before game day 8.
Group E
# | TEAM | GP | W | L | For | Agt | +/- | Points |
1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 688 | 467 | 221 | 14 | |
2 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 543 | 474 | 69 | 12 | |
3 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 591 | 442 | 149 | 12 | |
4 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 652 | 564 | 88 | 12 | |
5 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 547 | 558 | -11 | 10 | |
6 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 460 | 593 | -133 | 9 |
Aug 30, Sunday
New Zealand vs Syria - 14:00 Manila time (GMT+8)
Australia vs Jordan - 17:00 Manila time (GMT+8)
Philippines vs Iran - 20:00 Manila time (GMT+8)
How can teams qualify?
Australia cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8;
Iran cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8;
Jordan cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8;
New Zealand cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8;
The Philippines cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8;
Syria cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8.
What's the situation?
The Boomers are clearly in cruise mode, and will face Jordan next. Meanwhile, New Zealand will meet bottom-placed Syria, while second-placed Iran will battle Philippines, who are currently fifth. The Tall Blacks will fancy their chances of jumping into the second spot at the end of Window 4, while Iran may be pushed down to third, even if they beat Philippines on Sunday.
Group F
Aug 31, Monday
Korea vs Saudi Arabia - 19:00 Suwon time (GMT+9)
Japan vs Qatar - 19:10 Tokyo time (GMT+9)
China vs Lebanon - 19:30 Zhuji time (GMT+8)
How can teams qualify?
Qatar are already qualified for the World Cup as hosts;
Lebanon cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8;
Japan cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8;
China cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8;
Saudi Arabia cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8;
Korea cannot qualify for the World Cup on Gameday 8.
What's the situation?
Lebanon, Japan and China posted big wins on game day 7, thereby occupying the three qualifying positions at the top. With Korea and Saudi Arabia meeting on Monday, the possibility of a switch-up at the bottom too remains on the cards.
Window 4: Qualification/Elimination possible?
Short answer: Outside of hosts Qatar, no.
Whether for teams at the top or at the bottom of their respective groups, neither can be promoted or eliminated after Window 4. That said, another win for the former, and another loss for the latter, will make these two contrasting outcomes a near formality, with Window 5 then becoming decisive.
DISCLAIMER: The above analysis has been prepared solely for the purpose of improving the experience of fans. It is not to be understood as advice or as binding information on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers for competition purposes.
FIBA