MIES (Switzerland) - The just concluded First Round of the World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers more than lived up to its billing with photo finishes, big blowouts and star attractions.
While the heat of the games is still fresh in our minds, it's time to prepare ourselves for what's to come in the Second Round.
Results from the first three windows for the qualified teams carry forward to the next three windows as well.
Having already seen what the top 16 Asian Qualifiers teams had to offer across the first six games, we now have a clear sense of what to expect from the 12 who are through to the final windows.
Here are some must-see games from Groups E and F, when Second Round action commences in end August 2026.
Iran vs New Zealand
Two physical teams. Two games - home and away. Team Melli vs Tall Blacks promises a bruising, take-no-prisoners battle. Early indications point to New Zealand - ranked 24th in the world, having the upper hand against Iran, placed lower at 28th.
That said, at the bronze medal game of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, it was Iran who prevailed 79-73.
But no matter who wins, expect both encounters to be extremely tense nip-and-tuck affairs.
Jordan vs Philippines
An intriguing matchup to say the least, considering Jordan's form in these World Cup 2027 Qualifiers that includes a win over Iran.
Led by their new star guard Jalen Harris and an exciting group of youngsters, the Falcons are flying high entering the Second Round - even if their lone loss of the First Round to Iran might have been a bit concerning.
Meanwhile, the Philippines lost four games to Australia and New Zealand, and have progressed to Window 4 on the back of wins over only Guam. Still, their game against New Zealand and the rise of the young core is encouraging - despite the loss.
Overall though, Gilas hold an 8-4 advantage over Jordan in major FIBA competitions, which they will be leaning on when the sides square off in the upcoming windows.
Philippines vs Iran
Here's a wonderful clash of styles as long-time Asian foes Philippines and Iran match up in the Second Round. The physicality of West Asian basketball meets the speed and style of South East Asia's undisputed powerhouse.
It's been a while since they've played in the FIBA setting and it's about time.
Historical record?
Overwhelmingly in favour of Team Melli - at 10 to 2.
Gilas's last win against Iran came back in 2015 at the FIBA Asia Cup. But their previous two meetings at the World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers were both single-digit margin victories for Iran, showing that this rivalry is much closer than the results may suggest.
Saudi Arabia vs Japan
How will Saudi big man Mohammad Alsuwailem fare against Japan's Joshua Hawkinson, both coming off a spectacular First Round performance?
Can Asia Cup 2025 scoring leader Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman continue putting up big numbers against guards who are constantly pressed up against his grill?
Japan are sitting pretty after a 4-2 First Round. They enjoy a 3-1 historical advantage over the Saudis.
But past records will mean nothing when the two sides first meet soon. If Rahkman comes firing out of the gate, then it's definitely GAME ON.
Lebanon vs Korea
This one promises to be a beauty. Two teams stacked with exciting and fearless guards with ice in their veins. In the frontcourt, the Cedars enjoy a definite advantage in Dedric Lawson, Youssef Khayat and Jihad Elkhatib.
But Korea have their own superstar in small forward Hyunjung Lee, who unfortunately missed Window 3.
The fact that even without Lee, Korea progressed to the Second Round with a last gasp win over Japan, shows the hunger and depth of this East Asian side.
But if hot hand Lee returns to national team duty, expect a high scoring and immersive battle between two sides who know no quit.
Don't forget: Korea's win over Lebanon late in the Second Round of the Asian Qualifiers in 2019 was the crucial blow that kept the Cedars from an appearance in the World Cup in China. They will have some issues to resolve
Qatar vs China
World Cup 2027 hosts Qatar are clearly on the ascendant as one of the fastest rising teams in Asia. They will be more than satisfied with having finished First Round in second place, behind Lebanon in Group D.
With a roster that is constantly looking to upgrade, and already boasting a high-level point guard in Brandon Goodwin and a dynamic center in Alen Hadzibegovic, Qatar promise to bring a frown on the face of China when they battle twice in the Second Round.
The Red Dragons though, are a perfect 6-0 against Qatar in head-to-head competition, a record they will not be keen to dilute anytime soon.
China vs Lebanon
Another must-watch doubleheader between two Asian teams with 14 combined World Cup appearances between them.
Two Asian powerhouses duke it out twice in the Second Round.
China have won a whopping 12 out of the 14 times these two sides have faced off in the past in major FIBA competitions. But the Cedars' only two wins have come within the last three games, making this a 'recent' rivalry that promises to add exciting new chapters.
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