DOHA (Qatar) – The Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, in collaboration with the Qatar School Sports Association, announced today the launch of the inaugural Mini World Cup, to be held in Doha across two seasons (2025–2026 and 2026–2027). This pioneering initiative marks the first of its kind in the Middle East.
As part of the School Olympic Program, the tournament is being organized under the supervision of FIBA, basketball’s world governing body, in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation. It will mirror the competitive format of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, offering a unique school-level simulation of one of the world’s premier sporting spectacles.
In its first season (2025–2026), 32 secondary schools from across Qatar will compete under their official school names. The tournament will culminate in a grand final scheduled for May 2026 at Aspire Dome. In the second season, schools will represent the official national teams that qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, creating an even more authentic connection with the global event.
The Mini World Cup aims to blend education and sport in a distinctive experience that brings students closer to one of the biggest international events ever staged in Qatar. It will offer young athletes a real taste of competition, while instilling values of teamwork, collaboration, and community service. A series of interactive activities will accompany the tournament, giving students and schools the chance to experience the journey of preparing for the World Cup, deepening their passion for basketball and appreciation of the sport’s cultural and educational legacy.
The announcement came during a press conference at the Al Wajbah Hall of the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters, 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. Mohamed Saad Al-Mughaseeb, Director General of the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 and President of the Qatar Basketball Federation; and Mr. Saadon 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, alongside senior officials and representatives from the Organizing Committee, the Qatar School Sports Association, and local media.
For the first time in the Middle East, we are connecting our youth to one of the world’s greatest sporting events
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohamed Saad Al-Mughaiseeb stressed that the launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup represents a pioneering step: "For the first time in the Middle East, we are connecting our youth to one of the world’s greatest sporting events. This initiative offers them a unique opportunity that combines athletic challenge with meaningful educational experiences, nurturing their skills while instilling the values of excellence and teamwork."
Mr. Al-Mughaiseeb added that: "The ultimate goal of this tournament is to raise sporting awareness among students, link them to the legacy of basketball both in Qatar and internationally, and reinforce sport as a cultural, educational, and human value that inspires future generations."
We aim for the tournament to leave a lasting legacy
For his part, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani said: "Through this partnership, we aim for the tournament to leave a lasting legacy, encompassing state-of-the-art sports facilities, development programs for youth and juniors, and increased participation in sports across all segments of society, while ensuring the highest standards of organization and providing an unforgettable experience for student-athletes."
Sheikh Khalifa emphasized: "We stand on the threshold of a global event eagerly awaited by millions. With the concerted efforts of our partners at both the international and local federations, and with your media support playing a pivotal role in conveying our message, we are confident that we will deliver a championship marked by exceptional sportsmanship and remarkable achievements."
The launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup underlines Qatar’s vision to enhance school sports, instill social and educational values through athletics, and nurture a generation capable of proudly representing the nation on the global stage.
FIBA