MIES (Switzerland) - The journey to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 gets underway this week, with the Asian Qualifiers tipping off through four exciting matchups on Thursday night.
There will be plenty of action in the first day of the Asian Qualifiers, highlighted by World Cup hosts Qatar entertaining Lebanon at Lusail Arena - one of the venues that will host the flagship event in 2027.
With every result carrying through to the Second Round, each game has the potential to make or break a nation's hopes of eventually reaching the World Cup.
Who do you think will start their campaign with a win? Cast your vote below and let us know!
Schedule
Iran vs Iraq
Zouk Mikael, Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex Local Time: 04:00 PM (GMT+2)
Qatar vs Lebanon
Doha, Lusail Multipurpose Hall Local Time: 07:00 PM (GMT+3)
Saudi Arabia vs India
Riyadh, Riyadh Green Hall Local Time: 07:00 PM (GMT+3)
Jordan vs Syria
Amman, Prince Hamza Local Time: 07:30 PM (GMT+3)
Who you got?
Did You Know?
Iraq will face Iran for the third time, having won the previous game played in a neutral venue (74-66 in November 2017, then in Jordan).
Jordan have won 10 of their 12 home games in the World Cup Qualifiers, including a 87-62 success over Syria in February 2018. They are unbeaten when scoring 80 or more points in the Qualifiers.
All regions included, India are the team with the most games played in the World Cup Qualifiers without ever winning.
Wael Arakji has scored more than 10 points in each of his 14 games with Lebanon in the World Cup Qualifiers, while also making a 3-pointer in each of those appearances; he is averaging 15.6 points per game when playing away from home in the competition.
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