MUNICH (Germany) - The fifth window of the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers gets underway from November 26-30.
The battle for the 11 available places at next summer’s showpiece event in Qatar rages on. Those coveted spots will be decided across the final two qualifying windows, with Türkiye currently the only team from Europe to have qualified for Doha next year.
Here are 10 games basketball fans cannot miss over the four days of action across the continent.
Lithuania vs Serbia
Date: November 26 – 16:30 CET – Svyturio Arena, Klaipeda (LTU)
For the first time since their Quarter-Final battle at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023, Lithuania will meet Serbia in a pivotal encounter.
Serbia currently sit in second place in Group J with a 6-2 record, while Lithuania have a lot to lose on home soil, as they are outside the qualification spots with a 4-4 record and risk missing out on their first World Cup since 2002.
Greece vs Georgia
Date: November 26 – 18:00 CET – Telekom Center, Athens (GRE)
Greece will look to hit the ground running when they host Georgia in Athens.
History is on the Greeks’ side; they have won all seven previous encounters and will need that good form to build a positive window, as they – like Lithuania – are stumped at 4-4 in Group I after an inconsistent run of form.
Meanwhile, Georgia currently sit in the qualifying spots and would love to claim their first-ever win over Greece to maintain their stranglehold.
Portugal vs Ukraine
Date: November 26 – 19:00 CET - Centro de Desportos e Congressos de Matosinhos, Matosinhos (POR)
Ukraine are currently top of the pile in Group I with a 6-2 record and will aim to keep that run going when they travel to face Portugal, who are currently locked in a three-way tie with Greece and Montenegro on 4-4.
On home court, Portugal will be keen not to let their record slip in a tightly contested group, while Ukraine will want to stay at the summit.
Italy vs Türkiye
Date: November 26 – 19:00 CET – Palaeur, Rome (ITA)
Italy remain in the qualification spots in Group J, as they host an unbeaten Turkish side that has already sealed its spot in next year’s FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
Despite punching their ticket, Türkiye will want to keep the momentum going en route to what they hope will be a 12-0 mark - a feat not achieved before in the European Qualifiers - while the Azzurri will be looking to stay in the top three and create more separation between them and Lithuania, who sit in fourth.
Slovenia vs Finland
Date: November 27 – 19:00 CET - Zlatorog Sport Centre, Celje (SLO)
Slovenia host Finland, with both sides looking to keep up with the Group L leaders, France.
Finland come into this road game in inconsistent form, with a 4-4 record, and will look to rediscover their true selves in Celje, where they face a Slovenian side that is also 4-4 and is looking to hit the ground running in the hope of reaching their second straight World Cup.
Poland vs Croatia
Date: November 27 – 19:45 CET - Prezero Arena Gliwice, Gliwice (POL)
An eagerly anticipated showdown between Poland and Croatia will take place in Gliwice, with both teams tied at 7-1 in Group K alongside Germany, making this a must-win clash for both sides.
Poland will aim to bounce back after a narrow 96-94 loss to Germany that ended their seven-game unbeaten start, while Croatia came off a nervy 101-99 win in their last game on the road to the Netherlands.
Sweden vs Hungary
Date: November 27 – 18:00 CET - Avicii Arena, Stockholm (SWE)
After starting their World Cup European Qualifiers campaign at 0-3, Sweden have found their groove and now sit just outside the qualifying spots in Group L, where it’s a close call from second place onward.
Just below the Swedes sits their opponents, Hungary, who have won two of their last three group games and will be tough opposition in what will be a pivotal match.
Spain vs Greece
Date: November 29 – 17:00 CET - Multisusos Fonte do Sar, Santiago de Compostela (ESP)
An eagerly anticipated rematch between Spain and Greece awaits after an all-time classic in Athens back in August, when the hosts won 108-106 in overtime.
Spain will be keen to bounce back and exact some revenge as they are currently in the pits of a three-game losing streak, after previously winning their first five Qualifying games.
Serbia vs Italy
Date: November 29 – 18:00 CET - Aleksandar Nikolic Hall, Belgrade (SRB)
With Türkiye’s place in next year’s World Cup assured, just two spots remain in Group J, currently occupied by Serbia and Italy, who meet in a crucial battle that could go a long way toward deciding who else punches their ticket.
Serbia currently have the edge, having won 76-64 in their previous encounter, so Italy need to win if it comes down to a head-to-head.
Germany vs Poland
Date: November 30 – 18:30 CET - Suwag Energie Arena, Frankfurt
Reigning World Champions Germany needed overtime to edge Poland when the two teams met in Gdansk back in August. Dennis Schroder had 18 points for the Germans in a narrow 96-94 win.
They meet again in Frankfurt with plenty at stake, regardless of the results of their opening games of the window, with Poland hosting Croatia and Germany facing Latvia.
FIBA