MIES (Switzerland) - So, are there any others who can advance to the Second Round?
That's now the question many have been asking now that the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers' second window is about to end, with only two more gamedays left before it comes to a close.
So far, only one team has accomplished as much. What happened to the others? What's going to happen in the next couple of days? Let's take a quick look-back from the first days, and what we can expect ahead.
Group A
# | TEAM | GP | W | L | +/- | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 20 | 6 | |
2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 62 | 5 | |
3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | -4 | 4 | |
4 | 3 | 0 | 3 | -78 | 3 |
That lone team that are now assured of a spot in the next phase are Australia, which did so following a 93-80 victory over Guam on the road to also take the provisional lead in Group A with a pristine 3-0 record.
The Philippines could've followed suit but they couldn't get the job done after losing a very close one against New Zealand at home, 69-66, leading to their first loss of the competition after a 2-0 start last November.
But it's not the end of the road for them just yet. Read more below on how Gilas could reach the next round before the second window ends.
Which teams can qualify for the Second Round and how?
AUSTRALIA
Has already qualified for the Second Round
PHILIPPINES
If they beat Australia OR
if New Zealand beat Guam
Guam and New Zealand cannot qualify or be eliminated in the next games of Window 2.
Group B
# | TEAM | GP | W | L | +/- | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 26 | 5 | |
2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 5 | |
3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | -11 | 4 | |
4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | -21 | 4 |
Much of the attention were directed at Japan and Korea entering this window, for they only needed to beat China and Chinese Taipei, respectively, to earn themselves an early trip to the Second Round.
None of that happened, however, after their foes flipped the script and scored impressive victories. And these may have triggered what could be a thrilling race in this very pool beginning on Sunday. We'll see.
Which teams can qualify for the Second Round and how?
No teams from Group B cannot qualify nor be eliminated in the next game.
Group C
Coach Roy Rana's been undefeated thus far in the World Cup Qualifiers and that's after he steered Jordan to a 73-60 victory over the erstwhile unbeaten Iran in Zouk Mikael, Lebanon to seize the lead in Group C.
And that has moved the Falcons near the Second Round. Read below to see what they have to do.
Which teams can qualify for the Second Round and how?
IRAN
If they beat Syria OR
If Jordan beat Iraq
JORDAN
If they beat Iraq OR
If Iran beat Syria
Syria and Iraq cannot qualify nor be eliminated in the next game.
Group D
# | TEAM | GP | W | L | +/- | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 28 | 5 | |
2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 28 | 5 | |
3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 18 | 5 | |
4 | 3 | 0 | 3 | -74 | 3 |
This group will see a total of three teams advance to the Second Round. In case you'd need a reminder, Qatar are already assured of a spot being the 2027 World Cup hosts, so that means two others can make it.
So far, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have strong cases. The two are currently toting identical 2-1 records, with the Cedars forcing the tie after taking down the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 hosts in Zouk Mikael last Friday.
Check below on how they could grab their tickets.
Which teams can qualify for the Second Round and how?
QATAR
Have already qualified for the Second Round as World Cup 2027 Host
SAUDI ARABIA
If Lebanon beat India
LEBANON
If they beat India
India cannot qualify in the next game.
Which teams can get eliminated and how?
INDIA
If they lose to Lebanon
DISCLAIMER: The above analysis has been prepared solely for the purpose of improving the experience of fans. It is not to be understood as advice or as binding information on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers for competition purposes.
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