DOHA (Qatar) – The Qatari capital witnessed a unique sporting milestone with the launch of the Mini World Cup for the 2025–26 season, held at the Qatar Basketball Federation courts. The tournament marks the first-ever edition of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, organized under the supervision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in collaboration with the Qatar Basketball Federation and the Qatar School Sports Association.
Designed as a unique competitive and educational experience, the event mirrors the excitement and energy of the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, offering young players a platform to engage with the sport at a global standard.
The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of Sports Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar School Sports Association; Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb, Director General of the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 and President of the Qatar Basketball Federation; Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Executive Director of the Sports Department at the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Muftah, Executive Director of the School Olympic Program.
A total of 32 secondary schools from across Qatar are taking part in the championship, competing under their official names. The opening day featured four matches filled with excitement and energy.
The first phase of the tournament runs from November to March as part of the preliminary stage, followed by knockout rounds in April and the Final in May, coinciding with the Qatar Olympic School Program activities. Over 11 weeks, the competition will feature 92 matches, with participation from all 32 schools.
The Mini World Cup forms an integral part of the Schools Olympic Program for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons, serving as a platform that merges athletic excellence with educational development. In the first round, schools compete under their official names, while in the second round, each will represent one of the nations qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.
This initiative aims to bridge sports and education through an inspiring national experience that connects students with one of the world's premier sporting events. The tournament provides young players with the opportunity to compete, collaborate, and grow, while fostering values of teamwork, volunteerism, and community engagement. Complementary interactive activities will also allow students and schools to explore the journey of preparing for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, deepening their appreciation for the sport and reinforcing Qatar's vision of sustainable sporting and cultural legacy.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said: "We're excited to bring together 32 secondary schools in a unique format that mirrors our flagship event, giving young players a unique opportunity to experience competitive basketball at its best.
"This initiative is a powerful example of how sport can be used to foster education, inclusion, and community development.
"The Mini World Cup extends far beyond the competition on the court - it’s an investment in the future of grassroots basketball and a testament to Qatar’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting healthy lifestyles among youth."
On this occasion, Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb, Director General of the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 and President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, said: "Hosting the first-ever Mini World Cup in the Middle East and North Africa represents a pioneering step that reflects Qatar’s commitment to empowering youth and strengthening their presence in the global sports arena. This initiative opens new horizons for young players to gain valuable experience, combining athletic excitement with educational purpose, helping to refine their skills and nurture a spirit of excellence and teamwork."
He added, "This championship embodies Qatar’s vision to elevate sports awareness among students and connect them with the national and global basketball heritage. It also seeks to share this inspiring experience with nations that cherish sport and peace around the world, reaffirming the role of sports as a bridge for cultural understanding and a universal message that inspires future generations."
For his part, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of Sports Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar School Sports Association; emphasized: "The goals of the Mini World Cup align perfectly with the mission of the Olympic School Program promoting physical activity and well-being, instilling Olympic values, discovering sporting talents, fostering comprehensive education, expanding community participation, and strengthening ties with the global Olympic movement."
He concluded: "We are confident that this championship will achieve outstanding success both organizationally and technically, leaving behind a lasting sporting legacy for the students participating in this edition, when they proudly wear the jerseys of the national teams that qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027."
For more information on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, click here or get the official app here.
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