SHENYANG (China) - After losing to the Red Dragons 87-80 in the previous window, AKATSUKI JAPAN bounced back with a dominant 92-73 win over China to book their berth in the Second Round of the World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Japan were able to advance with a game to spare in a very tight Group B with three teams - China, Korea and Chinese Taipei - still fighting for the remaining two spots.
The previous time Japan had beaten China in major FIBA competition was at the Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers back in February 2024, a 76-73 historic triumph that came after an 88-year-long wait.
Japan next face Korea while China will battle Chinese Taipei. Coincidentally, both games will be held in Goyang, Korea, on July 6.
World Cup Pedigree
JAPAN
Number of participations: 6
Last participation: 2023
Best finish: 11th (1967)
Past Qualifiers
Edition | Record |
2023 | 7-5 (3rd in Group F - Second Round) |
2019 | 8-4 (2nd in Group F - Second Round) |
Who will they face in the Second Round?
Group F
The top three teams from Group B and Group D will form Group F in the Second Round, carrying over all results from the First Round.
Group B |
|
|---|---|
Qualified | Japan |
In contention | Korea, China, Chinese Taipei |
Eliminated |
|
Group D |
|
|---|---|
Qualified | Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon |
In contention |
|
Eliminated | India |
FIBA