JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) - Expect no shortage of thrilling bouts when the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 finally gets rolling on August 5 as all 16 national teams duke it out for the right to reign supreme in the prestigious showpiece.
With that, take a look at some of the awaited games in Groups A and B - from long-standing rivalries, to teams hungry to prove themselves, and to potential clinchers that could influence how the Final Phase would look.
Group A
Qatar vs. Lebanon
Wednesday, August 6 King Abdullah Sports City 21:00 local time (GMT+3)
Over the past few years, Qatar have been busy building up for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 being its hosts, and the fast-approaching August 5-17 showpiece should serve as a gauge to see where they are right now.
And in their very first game of the tournament, the crew is bound to get tested right away as they are scheduled to lock horns with perennial contenders Lebanon on August 6, Wednesday, at 21:00 local time.
Lebanon vs. Australia
Friday, August 8 King Abdullah Sports City 18:00 local time (GMT+3)
That meeting against the Qataris won't just be about looking to start off their campaign victorious, but it should also serve as a preparation of sorts as they head into their next assignment afterward: Australia.
Without a doubt, it's one of the most anticipated clashes of the whole contest, with the Lebanese coming in a motivated bunch as the heartbreak of 2022 continues to linger within the team - and the country, too.
Lebanon appeared to be on their way toward ending the Boomers' reign, but ultimately fell short as they bowed to a 75-73 decision in the gold medal game in easily one of the Asia Cup's best championship matches.
Over three years later, the West Asian side can now earn a measure of vengeance against a tormentor, and they could do so as early as the Group Phase. Game time is set Friday, August 8, at 18:00 local time.
Korea vs. Qatar
Friday, August 8 King Abdullah Sports City 11:00 local time (GMT+3)
The Korea-Qatar clash could go down as an exciting matchup given the amount of young talent both teams possess, and making it all the more interesting is that this pair could give the other two a run for their money.
While much of the attention are drawn on the Aussies and Lebanon, Korea and Qatar could make it an interesting race in the pool - only three teams in each group will advance to the Final Phase set to start on August 11.
It's worth mentioning, too, that their game - scheduled Friday as well - will serve as a tiebreaker. Both programs have met six times in the Asia Cup, and both are knotted at three games apiece. This should be fun.
Group B
Guam vs. Iran
Wednesday, August 6 King Abdullah Sports City 18:00 local time
Guam will finally make their Asia Cup debut and needless to say, the crew is looking to make some noise in Jeddah to make their first-ever foray in the continental competition as memorable as they could.
Making it to FIBA's flagship event for men's national teams in the region is already a feat per se for a team that hails from a small island but definitely, they aren't just happy and content to be participating.
The Guamanians would want to pull off some shockers, for sure, and they look to do so in their very first outing opposite a traditional contender in Iran on August 6, Wednesday, scheduled at 18:00 local time.
Iran vs. Japan
Friday, August 8 King Abdullah Sports City 14:10 local time
The Iranians haven't brought home an Asia Cup medal since settling for silver in 2017, and so the 2025 festivities should be another opportunity for the three-time champions to end what's become a lengthy drought.
Thus, the importance of winning their first game to start off their bid on a high note, although it could be easier said than done as they will face Japan to open the August 8 quadruple-header at 14:10 local time.
There's been quite a rivalry between the two. They've faced each other 10 times in the FIBA stage, the most recent of which was in the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers' Second Round where the Iranians won convincingly, 96-61.
That was also their third straight victory against the Japanese, thus giving themselves the edge in the head-to-head battle at 6-4. Will they own their foes anew, or can Team Japan finally get back at them?
Syria vs. Guam
Friday, August 8 King Abdullah Sports City 21:00 local time
Guam's debut tour continues against Syria on August 8 and this could be critical in their aspirations of getting past the Group Phase if they are to pull off a surprise run in their maiden Asia Cup appearance.
Should they pull off a stunner against Iran, and then follow it up with a W against the Syrians, then they'll virtually be advancing. But of course, all that is hypothetical, and their foes are sure to create their own story.
Making their eighth appearance in the meet, Team Syria are looking to improve from their finish in 2022, where they only placed 12th among the 16 teams as they only mustered one win in the four games they played.
But they know that it won't be easy given how challenging their group could be, making this game versus Guam intriguing for it could spell the difference as to which three teams from the cluster could make it.
*Disclaimer: This is a subjective list made by the FIBA Asia Communications team in an effort to further encourage basketball fans to watch the games. To check the complete FIBA Asia Cup 2025 schedule, click here.
FIBA