Qatar continues its strong record as the world's sporting capital now having won the rights to host the FIBA World Cup Basketball 2027.
FIBA, the world governing body for basketball, named Qatar as hosts for 2027 FIBA World Cup on Friday.
Announcing Qatar as hosts of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, FIBA said, “The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) has been awarded the hosting rights for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, with all games at the prestigious tournament to be played in the city of Doha.
“In making their decision, FIBA's Central Board were impressed by the bid and particularly the elements around the compact geographical nature, unique flexibility with tournament venue scheduling to better serve the fans, as well as an emphasis on sustainability.
“One of the best-connected destinations in the world, Qatar's capital city, Doha, has direct flights from most of the potential participating countries, while the recently upgraded subway and public transportation network connects all venues, providing a top-class service for all visitors.
“With all of the teams playing in the same city, fans can plan everything far in advance and enjoy a unique experience since all venues are within 30 minutes of each other.
“Additionally, all venues to be used for FIBA's flagship men’s event are already constructed, while widely used green technologies will help in delivering the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 as a carbon-neutral event.”
Qatar's streak of hosting major sporting events is therefore set to continue having organized an exceptional FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 recently and as the country also gears up to host the 2023 FIFA Asian Cup for a third time in its history after 1988 and 2011 in January 2024.
Qatar is already poised to host the Asian Games for a second time in 2030 after a fabulous staging of the continental Games in 2006.
The hosting of FIBA World Cup 2027 is also a tribute to Qatar’s basketball history. The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) was founded in 1964 and joined FIBA in 1977 and FIBA Asia in 1979. The first achievement of Qatari basketball was winning the AFC U-17 Youth Championship title which was also hosted by Qatar as the first Asian championship on its soil in 1988. The Qatar youth team also qualified for the 1999 FIBA World Cup, which was held in Portugal, and Qatar achieved 10th place. It also qualified for the World Championships in 2000 following a third Asian Championship title. Qatar also won basketball gold at the Arab Games hosted by Doha in 2011.
In 3x3 basketball, Qatar won the FIBA World Championship in 2014. Qatar won the FIBA World Youth Championship (U-18) in 2016 and topped the world rankings for three consecutive years.
The national youth team has also qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup in 2025. The basketball stars (men and women) U-23 teams have qualified for the World Cup and the U-18 boys and girls teams have qualified for the World Championships to be held in Hungary in August 2023.
Qatar is the third straight Asian host of the men’s tournament in 2027. China hosted in 2019 and the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia host the 2023 edition from Aug. 25-Sept. 12.
