If you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just love rooting for your home team, you’ll want to pay close attention to what’s going down in Doha this May. FIBA is setting the stage for one of the most exciting phases of international hoops—the official draw for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers! And guess what? The Philippines is in on the action.
Let’s break it down and see what this means for teams across Asia, and especially for us back home.
The Big Reveal: What’s Happening in Doha?
On May 13, 2024, Doha, Qatar, will host the global draw for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. This isn’t just some behind-closed-doors formality. It sets the roadmap for which countries will battle it out over the next few years for a highly coveted ticket to the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
The draw will reveal the groupings of 80 national teams from Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the combined Asia-Oceania region—all with eyes on 32 World Cup slots.
Here’s the twist: Qatar is already qualified as the host country but will still participate in the qualifiers. Talk about commitment to competition, right?
Gilas Pilipinas in the Spotlight
This is big news for the Philippines. Representing our country at the draw will be Gilas assistant coach Sean Chambers—a seasoned voice in the game who knows the lay of the land. The Philippine delegation is fully plugged in, with SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) President Al Panlilio also attending the FIBA Congress in Bahrain from May 14-18.
Panlilio isn’t just showing face—he’s a member of the FIBA Central Board. So yeah, we’re not just participating… we’re influencing.
Who’s Playing? Meet the Asia-Oceania Contenders
Let’s talk continental competition. Sixteen elite nations from Asia and Oceania will be part of this qualifiers draw. Here they are in no particular order:
- Australia
- China
- Chinese-Taipei
- Guam
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Japan
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- New Zealand
- Qatar (host)
- Philippines
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Syria
Only eight of these teams will eventually punch their ticket to the 2027 showdown. No pressure.
When Do the Qualifiers Kick Off?
Not immediately, but soon. FIBA has mapped out six qualifying windows, and here’s the schedule:
- 🏀 Nov 24 – Dec 2, 2024
- 🎯 Feb 22 – Mar 3, 2025
- 🏆 Jun 29 – Jul 7, 2026
- ⚡ Aug 24 – Sept 1, 2026
- 🔥 Nov 22 – Dec 1, 2026
- 💥 Feb 22 – Mar 2, 2027
In case you’re wondering—yes, the PBA and other national leagues will pause in each of these windows to avoid schedule conflicts and allow top players to suit up for their countries. That’s how serious this is.
Mark the Date: FIBA World Cup 2027
After years of qualifiers, it all culminates in the big event—set for August 27 to September 12, 2027, in Qatar. The tournament will take place in four top-tier venues:
- Lusail Sports Arena (15,300 seats) – Lusail
- Duhail Handball Sports Hall (8,000 seats) – Doha
- Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena (8,600 seats) – Al Rayyan
- Aspire Dome (8,000 seats) – Al Rayyan
The stage is set for world-class hoops on Middle Eastern soil.
Bonus: Legends Unite at FIBA Congress
While the draw and Congress are both happening, FIBA will also honor basketball royalty during the 2025 FIBA Hall of Fame induction. This year’s class features some all-timers:
- Pau Gasol (Spain)
- Andrew Bogut (Australia)
- Mike Krzyzewski (USA)
- Dawn Staley (USA)
- Fadi El Khatib (Lebanon)
…and more!
It’s history and future colliding—what more could a basketball lover ask for?
Final Thoughts: Buckle Up, Pilipinas!
For fans of Gilas, the qualifiers might still be months away, but the journey starts with the draw. Sean Chambers will fly the flag for the Philippines in Doha, and as the groupings are revealed, we’ll get our first real glimpse at what lies ahead.
Will this be the campaign where Gilas finally breaks through deep into World Cup territory? With experienced hands at the helm and a passionate fanbase behind them, anything is possible.
Stay tuned—2027 might just be our year.
Want to stay updated? Keep tabs on FIBA’s official site and don’t miss our upcoming breakdowns of the groupings right after the draw. Because in hoops, every possession—and every draw—matters.
🇵🇭 Let’s go, Gilas!