DOHA (Qatar) - The road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Doha has now been mapped out with the draw for the European Qualifiers. Fans across the globe can look forward to a number of can't miss First Round showdowns between some of the continent's top teams.
Eight spots are still up for grabs in the European Qualifiers but looking through the groups it's hard not to get excited about some enticing games. Here are five matchups all fans should mark down as must see.
Germany vs Israel (Group E)
World champions Germany face off against Israel in European Qualifiers ... again.
Germany and Israel faced off in the group stages of three EuroBaskets - Germany winning in 2011 and 2013 and Israel grabbing the victory in 2017.
Since then they have only played in the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers for 2019 and 2023. And Germany have won three of the four games, including both ahead of their historic World Cup triumph. Germany's road to a title defense starts at home on November 28 against Israel.
Italy vs Iceland (Group D)
Iceland haven't been a push-over.
While many might not see this as a big rivalry, Iceland actually have been a thorn in Italy's side recently.
They have met in the FIBA World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers and FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers and Iceland have grabbed two wins - a 107-105 double overtime thriller at home in February 2022 and then an 81-74 victory in Italy in November 2024.
Lithuania vs Italy (Group D)
Two European powerhouses who have not really met very often.
Italy and Lithuania have battled in some big games over the years - Italy winning in the Semi-Finals of the 2004 Olympics and Lithuania prevailing in the FIBA World Cup 2006 Round of 16 and Quarter-Finals of the 2013 and 2015 EuroBaskets.
But since meeting in the FIBA World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers, they have only squared off once with Lithuania grabbing an 88-64 win in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 Puerto Rico.
Finland vs France (Group G)
France haven't dominated as some might think.
Some people might see France and Finland and think Les Bleus have not had trouble with Finland. But that has not been the case at all with the teams holding a 3-3 all-time head to head. Though none of those matchups have been in a knockout stage.
The last encounter dates back to the FIBA World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers, when both teams won their home games. The Susijengi beat France in the Group Phase of the 2017 EuroBasket and also claimed a win in the 2009 EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round. France won in the other 2009 game as well as in the 2015 EuroBasket Group Phase.
Türkiye vs Serbia (Group C)
Türkiye's last win dates back to 2010 FIBA World Cup Semi-Finals.
Türkiye have wonderful memories of their last win over Serbia, prevailing 83-82 in the Semi-Finals of their home FIBA World Cup in 2010. That came after beating the Serbs in the 2009 EuroBasket Qualifying Round.
But Serbia haven't lost since then - five straight victories. They won in the group stages of the 2011, 2015 and 2017 EuroBaskets and then two wins in the FIBA World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers played a major role in keeping Türkiye out of the last FIBA World Cup. That ended a streak of five consecutive appearances in FIBA's flagship event.
FIBA