MIES (Switzerland) - Are you ready for Window 2 of the World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers? We certainly are!
Those of you looking to get up to speed on everything that went down in the opening window and how it impacts the upcoming slate of games, have come to the right place.
From current standings, key matchups, players to watch and Second Round progression favorites, here's what you really need to know about Group C and D action.
Group C
The favorite: Iran
Key matchup: Jordan vs Iran
Both Iran and Jordan have a shot of advancing to the Second Round if they go undefeated in this window. But with the two sides facing off, that's impossible. So the question is: who will prevail and who will be left bruised heading into Window 3?
Jordan's under the helm of new Coach Roy Rana, who took charge prior to Window 1. In senior continental competition, Rana’s men historically have a win percentage of just 30 against Iran, with their last victory coming in the quarterfinals of the Asia Cup 2022. If, and it's a big if, they can get one past Iran, it will ensure the Falcons are soaring sky high in their bid for a third straight World Cup appearance.
The underdog: Syria
Going by rankings alone, at 72 in the world, Syria is ahead of Iraq by a dozen spots. However, Iraq did have a slightly stronger showing in the opening window in the two losses against Iran. Syria meanwhile, was at the receiving end of a particularly harsh 100-48 drubbing at the hands of Jordan.
This also makes the Syria vs Iraq game on February 27 one to watch out for, battling for the third-place spot and improving the winner's chances of proceeding to the Second Round. Interestingly, both sides have never faced each other in senior men's competition at the continental level, making this matchup particularly intriguing.
Players to watch: Jalen Harris (Jordan), Sina Vahedi & Behnam Yakhchali (Iran)
It's one thing to drop a 40-piece (42 points to be exact) against the likes of Syria. But quite another to score at will against Iran. So can Jalen Harris deliver against the continent's top-tier sides? That’ll be the question on the minds of all Asia Basketball fans.
For Team Melli, we have the millennial and Gen Z guard duo of Yakhchali and Vahedi expected to continue where they left off in Window 1 - pouring in the points (37.5 per game combined) at a high efficiency (+43).
Group D
The favorite: Qatar
This is admittedly a tough one - as it's a three-way toss-up between Lebanon, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. But we are going out on a limb here and backing Qatar to top this group.
Traditionally, are Lebanon favorites? Yes.
But Qatar seem to have overcome a huge psychological barrier in the previous window by beating the Cedars in Beirut. The fact that they are hosting the next FIBA Basketball World Cup lends additional heft to the argument that they will continue to find ways to improve, either via personnel upgrades or organically. The flipside though, is the risk of complacency. With a spot in the global showpiece assured, will Qatar be lulled into taking their foot off the gas?
That said, Lebanon will be hurting to prove their shock loss to Qatar in W1 was an aberration, and a strong showing against Saudi Arabia and India in Window 2 will lay early skeptics to rest.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia had it easy in the opening window, facing India twice. A single win over either Qatar or Lebanon will be a big morale booster for a side seeking a historic World Cup 2027 debut.
Key matchups: Lebanon vs Saudi Arabia | Qatar vs Saudi Arabia
The underdog: India
The only team at risk of elimination, 0-2 India will be out of reckoning for a place in the Second Round if they lose both games, combined with Lebanon winning both their games and Saudi Arabia beating Qatar.
Players to watch: Muhammad-Ali Abdul-Rahkman & Mohammed Alsuweilem (Saudi Arabia), Brandon Goodwin and Alen Hadzibegovic (Qatar), Wael Arakji & Sergio El Darwich (Lebanon)
Reigning Asia Cup 2025 scoring and rebounding leaders Rahkman and Alsuweilem were in cruise mode in the Window 1 wins over India. The real work begins now, against higher-ranked Lebanon and a meteorically rising Qatar.
The 211 cm / 6'11" Hadzibegovic, along with star point guard Goodwin, have been a lethal frontcourt – backcourt punch for Qatar. Hadzibegovic is averaging a double-double of 16.5 points and 11 rebounds after the opening window against Lebanon, while Goodwin boasts an Asian Qualifiers topping 7.5 assists per game, besides 21 points and 7 boards.
Cedars' star Arakji hasn't yet had that 'I'm-taking-over-hold-my-juice' type of performance we have seen in the past. But he still leads his team in scoring with 20 points per game, besides dishing out a team-high 5 dimes. His perimeter partner, Darwich, meanwhile, has been absolutely balling out, leading Lebanon in assists, steals and blocks, earning a spot among our Dirty Dozen.
World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers Games Window 2 tips off on February 26 and will continue till March 2. Stream the action on Courtside 1891, with live games and on-demand replays. Blackouts might apply in certain territories.
FIBA