Dennis Schröder led Germany to an overtime win over Poland Sunday, handing them their first loss of the qualifiers.
Welcome to our live blog for the fourth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers!
We’ll be covering the competition, focusing on the games involving NBA players, and bringing you the best information and highlights here.
Day 4 featured multiple close contests, including Dennis Schröder’s Germany beating undefeated Poland and Ivica Zubac leading Croatia to a comeback win over the Netherlands.
Victor Wembanyama also turned in a dominant performance as France defeated Pelle Larsson and Sweden.
What we know about the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers:
All games are streaming on Courtside 1891, powered by DAZN, with a paid subscription.
The USA defeated Chile in their opening game of this qualifying round to move to 6-1 and lead Group E. The American team, which features a collection of former NBA and G League players coached by former Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts, will now face Colombia on Aug. 31 in Washington, D.C.
32 teams will qualify for the FIBA 2027 World Cup, including the host nation, Qatar.
AUGUST 30 / 4:37 p.m. ET
Sunday’s results
Sunday’s scores in Asian qualifying:
New Zealand 126, Syria 74
Australia 126, Jordan 93
Philippines 68, Iran 56
Sunday’s scores in African qualifying:
Nigeria 100, Cape Verde 84
Congo DR 77, Egypt 75
Guinea 90, Cameroon 67
Angola 91, Côte d’Ivoire 70
South Sudan 79, Tunisia 75
Senegal 97, Mali 71
Sunday’s scores in European qualifying:
Croatia 101, Netherlands 99
Germany 96, Poland 94
France 84, Sweden 69
Latvia 85, Israel 70
Finland 96, Estonia 67
Slovenia 92, Hungary 77
We’ll be back with another full slate tomorrow!
Nikola Jokić is expected to be in action as Serbia takes on Italy, and the USA faces Colombia in their second game of the window.
AUGUST 30 / 3:54 p.m. ET
South Sudan beats Tunisia in thriller
In a game that saw 20 lead changes and 11 ties, Carlik Jones (20 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast) scored the last four points to take a 79-75 win.
⚔️ The end of this game is epic! 😱🔥#FIBAWC x #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/Ys7HsdJVrm
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2026
Yacine Toumi (24 pts) was the top scorer for Tunisia, tying the game with 37 seconds to go after scoring seven straight for The Eagles of Carthage before Jones took over.
Tunisia turned 10 turnovers by the Bright Stars into 18 points, but was outscored 20-5 in second chance points after giving up 18 offensive rebounds.
Majok Deng (16 pts, 11 reb) added a double-double for South Sudan, which moves into the No. 2 spot in Group E with the win at 7-2.
South Sudan reached its first FIBA World Cup in 2023, and is in good position to reach its second after today’s result.
AUGUST 30 / 2:48 p.m. ET
Tunisia leads South Sudan at the half
The Eagles of Carthage are up 42-40 over the Bright Stars in front of a home crowd in the Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès.
Yacine Toumi and Firas Lahani (9 pts) are the top scorers for Tunisia, while Majok Deng (9 pts, 6 reb, 2 3PM) is the top man for South Sudan.
Toumi most recently played at the University of Hawaii, while Lahani won the 2022 Basketball Africa League championship with US Monastir.
Deng made the 2025 All-BAL First Team and BAL All-Defensive Second Team with Al Ittihad Alexandria and also plays in Australia’s National Basketball League for the Tasmania JackJumpers.
AUGUST 30 / 1:59 p.m. ET
Finland dominates Estonia
Lauri Markkanen (21 pts, 10 reb, 3 3PM) had his best performance of this qualifying round to help Finland to a decisive 96-67 win over Estonia.
Double-double in three quarters, Lauri Markkanen is just too good. 😮💨
21 PTS | 10 REB | 2 AST | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/CmOyEFiOKj
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2026
After Sunday’s action, Finland moves up one game above Slovenia for second place in Group L.
AUGUST 30 / 1:37 p.m. ET
Guinea, Angola earn victories in African qualifying
Guinea moves into the No. 3 spot in Group E by upsetting Cameroon 90-67, which was previously undefeated in this qualifying window behind Yves Missi (11 pts, 10 reb), earlier today.
Elsewhere, Angola stayed in contention in Group F by defeating Côte d’Ivoire 91-70. The Black Antelopes had six double-figure scorers in the contest.
AUGUST 30 / 1:19 p.m. ET
France pulls away from Sweden
Victor Wembanyama (18 pts, 8 reb, 3 blk, 1 stl) and France took over in the fourth quarter to defeat Sweden 84-69, running their record to 7-1 and giving them undisputed claim at the top of Group L.
Wemby versus Sweden today in the Second Round of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers:
👽 18 PTS
👽 8 REB
👽 3 BLK
👽 6-7 FGM
👽 France W
(Via @FIBAWC) pic.twitter.com/2J5lmcqrIS
— NBA (@NBA) August 30, 2026
France had four players in double figures, including Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (13 pts) and former Trail Blazers and Thunder wing Jaylen Hoard (10 pts).
Pelle Larsson (23 pts), who previously became the first European player to score 30+ in back-to-back FIBA qualifier games, had another sterling performance for Sweden, showing off what he learned from ex-Heat superstar Jimmy Butler III with clinical midrange footwork and a 13-for-16 (81.3%) performance from the free throw line.
The game saw 15 lead changes and seven ties. It was tied with 5:04 remaining, but France ended on a 20-5 run to take the win.
AUGUST 30 / 12:20 p.m. ET
Sweden and France tied at the half
Pelle Larsson (18 pts, 10-for-12 FTA) and Victor Wembanyama (11 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk) are going at it, as Sweden and France find themselves tied at 38 after the first half in Stockholm.
A ridiculous jam here from Wemby from way underneath the basket.
Victor Wembanyama continues to amaze, amaze, amaze. 👽#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/P2v9cwNl4K
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2026
AUGUST 30 / 11:57 a.m. ET
Alien sighting
Just a 7-foot-4 center hanging under the rim on the baseline and firing a one-handed baseball pass for an open 3-pointer — nothing major.
Wemby has COURT VISION 🥽
France facing off against Sweden in the Second Round of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers!
(Via @FIBAWC) pic.twitter.com/NFZLUKuvgh
— NBA (@NBA) August 30, 2026
Sweden leads France 28-25 with 7:38 to go in the second quarter.
AUGUST 30 / 11:26 a.m. ET
Victor Wembanyama hits the court
France is getting ready to go against Sweden. Wemby’s in the starting lineup to face off with Pelle Larsson and The Blue and Yellow, who are seeking to stick with the contending pack in Group L in front of their home crowd in Stockholm’s Avicii Arena.
Catch The Alien and the Heat’s young wing on this Saturday morning!
AUGUST 30 / 11:20 a.m. ET
Germany wins an overtime struggle with Poland
Dennis Schröder (18 pts, 5 ast) and Germany survived overtime, handing Poland its first loss of FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers.
The Eagles came back with a 25-13 fourth quarter to force the extra period, but struggled to find quality looks late, as Schröder and Germany ground out enough points to seize the advantage.
Jordan Loyd (16 pts) was ejected in the second half, putting Mateusz Ponitka (20 pts) and Igor Miličić Jr. (18 pts, 8 reb), a member of the G League’s Delaware Blue Coats, in the spotlight for Poland.
With the win, Croatia is tied at the top of Group K with Poland and Germany.
AUGUST 30 / 10:31 a.m. ET
Croatia holds on to defeat the Netherlands
The Dutch had two chances to take the lead on the final possession, but Croatia managed to dodge the threat, winning 101-99 after making a 14-point comeback.
After trailing at the half, the Chequered Ones used a 32-19 third quarter to get back in the game. Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (24 pts, 11 reb) and Dario Šarić (24 pts, 6 ast, 2 3PM) were their top performers.
Keye van der Vuurst (24 pts, 5 3PM) knocked down a 3-pointer in the final minute to cut the lead to two, but the Netherlands couldn’t score again as the intensity in front of their home crowd in the Topsportcentrum picked up.
With the win, Croatia (7-1) position themselves to move into a tie at the top of Group K, as undefeated Poland trails Germany in a close fourth-quarter battle.
AUGUST 30 / 10:06 a.m. ET
Croatia, Germany lead in European action
Ivica Zubac (17 pts, 7 reb) and Croatia are dueling with the Netherlands, up 79-76 as the fourth quarter gets underway.
Mario Hezonja (15 pts, 2 stl) and Dario Šarić (13 pts, 5 ast) are also contributing for The Chequered Ones, although David N’Guessan shifted some momentum with this slam.
David N’Guessan just put Ivica Zubac on a poster. 😮💨#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/IldPwgIu3S
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2026
Elsewhere in Europe, Germany has opened up a 55-48 lead over Poland with 4:53 left to go in the third quarter.
Dennis Schröder (5 pts, 5 ast) and Daniel Theis (7 pts) are in the lineup, while Jordan Loyd (14 pts), a 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, is pacing the Polish squad.
Chemistry built in a lab 🔬#FIBAWC x @DBB_Basketball | @hornets pic.twitter.com/lXSRJT02cd
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2026
AUGUST 30 / 9:58 a.m. ET
Nigeria defeats Cape Verde
Josh Okogie (15 pts, 8 reb, 10 ast, 4 stl) had his strongest game of the qualifying round when Nigeria needed it, lifting the D’Tigers to a 100-84 win over Cape Verde.
Cape Verde’s Ivan Almeida (34 pts), who attended Stonehill College in Massachusetts, led all scorers, but he was nearly matched by Caleb Agada (26 pts) of Nigeria, who won the 2025 Basketball Africa League championship with Al Ahli, earning first-team All-Defensive honors as well.
Nigeria led wire-to-wire, separating with a 23-9 first quarter and keeping their advantage with a deadeye performance from the 3-point line, shooting 15-for-33 (45.5%) from range.
Chimezie Metu (6 pts, 12 reb, 4 ast, 1 blk, 1 stl) chipped in around the edges as well, throwing down this poster slam.
😤 POSTERIZED! 😮🔥#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/DLMN9HueWd
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2026
AUGUST 30 / 9:14 a.m. ET
Kai Sotto and the Philippines complete perfect window
The Gilas took a 68-56 win over Iran to bring their record to 4-4, keeping them in the hunt for a berth in the FIBA World Cup 2027.
The 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto (13 pts, 16 reb, 3 ast) put together another dominant double-double. He’s a presence at the international level, tough to keep off the boards.
HIS HOUSE, HIS RULES 🇵🇭
Kai Sotto drops another monstrous performance, as Philippines beat Iran at home! pic.twitter.com/gBwIWGtuAm
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2026
AUGUST 30 / 8:39 a.m. ET
Nigeria up early on Cape Verde
Josh Okogie (4 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast) is doing a bit of everything for the D’Tigers, who are looking to right the ship after going 0-2 so far in this qualifying window.
Nigeria needs a win in this battle between the teams at the bottom of Group E to have a real chance of qualifying for the FIBA World Cup 2027.
They’ve reached the competition three times in the country’s history, last in 2019.
Nigeria leads 36-18 with 5:50 to go in the second quarter.
AUGUST 29 / 5:04 p.m. ET
Saturday’s results
Saturday’s scores in African qualifying:
Côte d’Ivoire 72, Egypt 66
Mali 101, Congo DR 76
Senegal 84, Angola 82
We’ll be back with a full slate tomorrow! Victor Wembanyama and Dennis Schröder, among others, are expected to be in action.
AUGUST 29 / 4:50 p.m. ET
Senegal wins a back-and-forth contest
Brancou Badio (24 pts, 7 ast) knocked down the go-ahead 3-pointer with 41 seconds remaining as Senegal took an 84-82 win over Angola to cap Saturday’s action.
The game saw a whopping 21 lead changes and 16 ties, with neither team leading by more than six, as The Lions and The Black Antelopes battled at Dakar Arena.
Selton Miguel (25 pts on 9-for-15 shooting) was the top scorer for Angola. He was the AAC Sixth Man of the Year while playing for Maryland in 2024, earning second-team all-conference honors as well.
Angola, the 2025 AfroBasket champion, now drops behind Senegal in the Group F standings. The top two teams from Groups E and F advance to the FIBA World Cup, as well as the best third-place team.
At the moment, The Black Antelopes are in a battle with Egypt, Tunisia, Guinea and Nigeria for the wildcard spot.
AUGUST 29 / 3:59 p.m. ET
Gueye goes to the rack
The former Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls player shows off his solid 6-foot-9 frame here, punching one down for Senegal.
Mouhamadou Gueye with the POSTER 🇸🇳#FIBAWC x @FSBBOFFICIEL pic.twitter.com/qz8sobyhzZ
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 29, 2026
AUGUST 29 / 2:27 p.m. ET
Mouhamadou Gueye leads Senegal against Angola
It’s a crucial contest in Group F, as the two remaining 5-2 teams face off, chasing Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, which both won earlier today.
Mo Gueye, who played two games for the Chicago Bulls last season, leads Senegal into action.
Senegal’s made five FIBA World Cups in their history, while Angola’s reached nine. Both appeared in 2023.
AUGUST 29 / 2:18 p.m. ET
Mali defeats the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Siriman Kanouté (15 pts on 4-for-4 shooting, 3 ast), who’s played for the Malian national team since he was 19, led his squad to a 101-76 win over the Congo DR.
Damion Baugh (19 pts, 3 3PM), who played for the Charlotte Hornets in 2024-25, was the top scorer for the Congo DR.
With the win, Mali moves into the No. 2 spot in Group F.
AUGUST 29 / 10:35 a.m. ET
The top 10 plays of this qualifying round so far
Check out Yves Missi flashing the handles at No. 3 and Neemias Queta’s footwork at No. 2 — some slick moves from two rising NBA centers.
How do you top a game-winning block? You don’t! 🔥✋
Exactly why Kai Sotto is leading latest Nike Top 10 Plays in #FIBAWC Qualifiers 🔝 pic.twitter.com/1BkVOqxwHv
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 29, 2026
AUGUST 29 / 10:24 a.m. ET
Côte d’Ivoire holds off Egypt
The Elephants (6-1) earned a 72-66 win to take the top spot in Group F, led by David Elle Gassaud (16 pts, 2 3PM), Jean Philippe Dally (16 pts) and Pacôme Dadiet (13 pts, 6 reb).
Egypt scored the last 10 points of the contest, but Côte d’Ivoire had already taken control with a 16-point lead — its largest of the game.
Côte d’Ivoire earned a 52-40 advantage on the glass and made nine 3-pointers to Egypt’s seven.
Angola, Mali and Senegal, all 5-2, are chasing Côte d’Ivoire, seeking to become one of the teams in the group to advance to the FIBA World Cup 2027.
AUGUST 29 / 9:00 a.m. ET
Dadiet rolling for Côte d’Ivoire
Pacôme Dadiet (7 pts on 3-for-5 shooting) is off to a hot start for Côte d’Ivoire as it takes an early lead over Egypt to open Saturday’s action.
PACOME DADIET SHOW 🇨🇮⚒️
📺 LIVE: https://t.co/XVOAZbqoif#FIBAWC x @fibb_ci pic.twitter.com/6Uqo07LkT2
— FIBA #AfroBasket (@AfroBasket) August 29, 2026
The New York Knicks wing, who was selected No. 25 in the 2024 NBA Draft, represented France at the international level as a youth player before joining his brother, Maxence, on the Côte d’Ivoire squad.
The Elephants are up 17-16 with 7:52 to go in the second quarter.
AUGUST 29 / 8:15 a.m. ET
The top performances from Day 2
Watch highlights from Yves Missi, Goga Bitazde and Jusuf Nurkić, among others, and check in on how NBA players performed Friday.
AUGUST 28 / 5:29 p.m. ET
Friday’s results
Friday’s scores in Asian qualifying:
New Zealand 93, Iran 91
Australia 123, Syria 64
Philippines 82, Jordan 81
Friday’s scores in African qualifying:
South Sudan 82, Nigeria 79
Guinea 81, Cape Verde 61
Cameroon 83, Tunisia 61
Friday’s scores in European qualifying:
Georgia 101, Montenegro 74
Ukraine 82, Greece 76
Turkey 94, Lithuania 66
Serbia 102, Iceland 73
Bosnia & Herzegovina 78, Italy 76
Portugal 95, Spain 89
AUGUST 28 / 5:15 p.m. ET
Portugal defeats Spain to cap Friday’s action
Portugal defeated Spain 95-89 for the first time in the country’s basketball history, bringing them into competition in Group I.
Travante Williams (22 pts) was the top scorer for the Portuguese, buoyed by Diogo Ventura (17 pts), Neemias Queta (16 pts, 9 reb) and Ruben Prey (15 pts).
NEEMIAS QUETA COOKING THE DEFENDER LIKE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN 🍗#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/kzA6g2i4Qw
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
There were seven lead changes and eight ties, but Portugal separated in the fourth quarter and never looked back. They forced 19 turnovers, including 11 steals, earning 27 points off them.
Dario Brizuela (19 pts, four 3-pointers) was the top scorer for Spain.
AUGUST 28 / 4:56 p.m. ET
‘The crowd is silenced here’
Portugal has surged to an 87-78 lead with 3:24 to go in the game, putting a damper on the Spanish crowd as they take in this historic rivalry.
Diogo Ventura (17 pts) just knocked down a 3-pointer to bring a hush over the arena.
AUGUST 28 / 4:38 p.m. ET
Portugal and Spain tied after three
At 71-71, as these two European powers battle in front of an excited Spanish crowd.
Both these teams have lit it up from 3-point range — Spain is 13-for-22 (59.1%), while Portugal is 16-for-36 (44.4%).
Ruben Prey and Travante Williams (15 pts each) are the top scorers for Portugal; Alvaro Cardenas (15 pts) paces matters for Spain.
In his first senior team appearance, Aday Mara (8 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast) has wowed the crowd.
The ladies love Aday Mara.#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/v8qfTiIuDp
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 28 / 4:09 p.m. ET
Serbia, Cameroon, Turkey earn victories
Nikola Jović (21 pts) teamed with Nikola Jokić (6 pts, 13 reb, 6 ast) as Serbia (5-2) overwhelmed Iceland 102-73.
Cameroon (7-1) beat Tunisia 83-61, as Yves Missi (19 pts, 14 reb) continued his dominant run, maintaining a one-game lead over South Sudan in Group E.
Turkey ran away from Lithuania 94-66, as Cedi Osman (22 pts) showed off his scoring touch. They remain undefeated (7-0) at the top of Group J, with Serbia in second.
The day’s action concludes with Portugal and Spain, who are battling hard in the Pabellón Príncipe Felipe in Zaragosa midway through the third.
AUGUST 28 / 4:05 p.m. ET
Nurkić’s dominance lifts Bosnia & Herzegovina
Jusuf Nurkić (25 pts on 11-for-19 shooting, 14 rebounds) was a powerhouse as Bosnia & Herzegovina survived late to beat Italy 78-76, handing The Blues their second loss of World Cup qualifying.
WHAT. IT. MEANS. 🐉#FIBAWC x @BFBiH pic.twitter.com/t1FWzGLhZs
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
Nurkić had seven fourth quarter points to seal the win. Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (10 pts, 7 reb in 15:49) aided his teammate in controlling the paint during the contest, forming a tremendous center duo.
Nico Mannion and Simone Fontecchio (14 pts each) led Italy.
AUGUST 28 / 3:56 p.m. ET
Portugal leads Spain at the half
47-41. Spain opened the quarter on a 15-3 run, but Portugal came back to seize a lead at the break.
Ruben Prey (10 pts, 2 3PM), Travante Williams (9 pts, 4 reb, 2 stl) and Neemias Queta (6 pts, 6 reb, 2 stl) have led the way, outdoing Joel Parra (10 pts), Aday Mara (5 pts, 3 reb, 2 blk) and Spain.
Spain is 7-for-14 (50%) from 3-point range, but Portgual has shot 9-for-24 (37.5%) to counter.
AUGUST 28 / 3:29 p.m. ET
Bosnia & Herzegovina chases upset of Italy
Jusuf Nurkić (12 pts, 10 reb) is within shouting distance of willing Bosnia & Herzegovina to a win over Italy, as the Dragons lead 58-54 after three.
Former Warriors guard Nico Mannion (14 pts, 5 ast) leads the way for the Italians.
Elsewhere, Nikola Jokić (6 pts, 11 reb, 5 ast) and Serbia lead Iceland 70-61 with a quarter remaining, while Cameroon and Turkey are up big.
Effortless. 🫠#FIBAWC x @KSSrbije | @nuggets pic.twitter.com/IZdTFc4A0T
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
Yves Missi (17 pts, 10 reb) is out here testing his range. Like Neemias Queta at Eurobasket 2025, he seems to be having a breakout on the international stage.
YVES MISSI OUT HERE HITTING TRIPLES 👌🇨🇲#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/CVr8GSvFMT
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 28 / 3:24 p.m. ET
Portugal leads Spain after one
21-14, as Ruben Prey (8 pts, 2 3PM), a junior at St. John’s University, starts off hot from distance.
Spain committed six first-quarter turnovers, looking uncertain as they seek to reestablish a pecking order after the retirement of a number of veterans, including Rudy Fernández.
Aday Mara (3 pts, 2 reb, 2 blk) was a force around the rim, particularly after Neemias Queta left the game for a rest.
Get used to it, Aday Mara will be hosting block parties regularly now. 🧱#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/uyJK4D9sCQ
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 28 / 2:52 p.m. ET
Halftime roundup
Serbia 52, Iceland 42
Turkey 55, Lithaunia 34
Bosnia & Herzegovina 34, Italy 27
Cameroon 37, Tunisia 26
Nikola Jokić (2 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast) is on triple-double watch; Jusuf Nurkić (10 pts, 8 reb) and Yves Missi (9 pts, 7 reb) are chasing double-doubles.
Spain-Portugal gets going at 3 p.m. ET to cap our slate for the day.
AUGUST 28 / 2:31 p.m. ET
Cedi started ready
Former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman is rolling to start Turkey’s battle with Lithuania. He’s got his team up 37-21 with 6:07 to go in the second quarter.
13 in the first quarter. CEDI OSMAN IS COOKING! 🔥#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/yYB1edNRgw
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 28 / 2:26 p.m. ET
Iceland up on Serbia after one
27-25, as Nikola Jokić (6 reb, 2 ast) started off cold from the field, but delivered this classic full-court dime to the Miami Heat’s Nikola Jovic (8 pts).
Nikola 🇷🇸 x Nikola 🇷🇸, vol. 82739283 📚#FIBAWC x @KSSrbije pic.twitter.com/RTQatFAdoG
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
We had 10 lead changes and nine ties in the first quarter, as the teams battle to start the contest.
AUGUST 28 / 2:15 p.m. ET
The Joker graces the afternoon window
We’ve got five games featuring NBA talents going on this afternoon, led by Nikola Jokić and Serbia facing Iceland.
Italy features the Miami Heat’s Simone Fontecchio taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Jusuf Nurkić, while Yves Missi and Cameroon plays Tunisia.
Turkey, led by the Philadelphia 76ers’ Adem Bona, is battling Lithuania and Spain is preparing to face Portugal, as Boston Celtics teammates Hugo González and Neemias Queta square off.
Spain also features Aday Mara, Sergio de Larrea and Baba Miller, the No. 12, No. 25 and No. 36 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, as well as former NBA players Juancho and Wily Hernangomez.
AUGUST 28 / 2:07 p.m. ET
Ukraine upsets Greece
82-76, giving them control of the No. 2 spot in Group I after Montenegro’s loss earlier today.
Ukraine went 13-for-33 (39.4%) from 3-point range on the day, including four from Max Shulga (14 pts).
The game saw nine lead changes and six ties, with Greece cutting the lead to four with 30 seconds remaining, but Ukraine held on.
The Official Beloved will regroup and seek to get veteran floor general Nick Calathes a berth in what could be his final FIBA World Cup.
AUGUST 28 / 1:30 p.m. ET
Ukraine up after three
64-55, as guards Oleksander Kolivar (18 pts, 6 reb), Svi Mykhailuk (13 pts) and Max Shulga (11 pts) spark the potential upset.
MYKHAILIUK WITH THANASIS ALL OVER HIM 😳🎪#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/Ml1pqe3xKY
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
Ukraine entered the game as the No. 38 team in the world, while Greece was at No. 13, but they’ve played evenly today.
AUGUST 28 / 1:18 p.m. ET
Georgia defeats Montenegro
101-74, as Tornike Shengelia (24 pts) and Goga Bitadze (23 pts) led the way in a dominant showing in front of a thrilled home crowd.
Montenegro came into the game up on Georgia in the standings, but proved no match for the Crusaders.
“This Georgia team looks like one of the best in Europe right now,” said the announcer.
Sandro Mamukelashvili (17 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast) did a bit of everything, while Yogi Ferrell (12 pts, 4 ast) paced The Black Mountain.
Group I leader Spain plays later today, with Georgia hot on its heels.
AUGUST 28 / 1:09 p.m. ET
Ukraine up at the half
40-37, led by Svi Mykhailiuk (10 pts), while Nick Calathes (9 pts, 4 ast) is rolling for Greece.
That’ll be our featured contest after Georgia-Montenegro concludes, with the Crusaders up double-digits late.
AUGUST 28 / 12:52 p.m. ET
Georgia maintains the lead
77-67 Georgia after three, as the Crusaders build off an 11-3 advantage in turnovers.
Goga Bitadze (23 pts) dominated the third quarter, putting up 12 points, aided by Tornike Shengelia, who had 10 of his own.
Montenegro is out-shooting Georgia, knocking down 54% of their field goals, but it’s been outweighed by turnovers and 3-point shooting.
AUGUST 28 / 12:47 p.m. ET
‘Bitadze wanted all the smoke’
A powerful two-handed poster from the Magic big man, demonstrating a taste of his trademark aggression, off a daring feed by Sandro Mamukelashvili.
THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE WHEN MAMU AND GOGA ARE ON THE COURT ❤️🇬🇪 #FIBAWC x @Mamukelashvili5 @GogaBiitadze pic.twitter.com/7GwWIz7hAK
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
Georgia has a 68-59 lead with the third quarter winding down.
AUGUST 28 / 12:25 p.m. ET
Ukraine and Greece going at it
24-21 Ukraine with 5:19 to go in the second quarter, as the Utah Jazz’s Svi Mykhailiuk and former Boston Celtics guard Max Shulga face off with Alex and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, as well as veteran point guard Nick Calathes, who played in the NBA for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kostas Papanikolaou, who played for the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets in 2014-15 and 2015-16, and former Atlanta Hawk Tyler Dorsey, a talented scorer, are also featuring for Greece.
Calathes, 37, is a two-time All-Euroleague First Team member. He finished seventh in Kia Rookie of the Year voting while a Grizzly in 2013-14.
AUGUST 28 / 12:19 p.m. ET
Toko ends the half with a bang for Georgia
Tornike Shengelia (6 pts, 4 reb) knocked down a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded, giving the Crusaders a 48-42 lead at the break.
IT’S NOT OVER UNTIL IT’S OVER. #FIBAWC x @TokoShengelia23 pic.twitter.com/hl3tJMNTvL
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
Georgia’s 6-for-13 (46.2%) from distance so far in this contest.
Goga Bitadze (11 pts, 4 reb) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (9 pts, 5 reb) have tag-teamed to help them build their lead, overcoming a good performance from Yogi Ferrell (9 pts, 2 reb) and Milan Suskavcevic (4 pts, 6 reb), who averaged a double-double last season in Serbia.
WELCOME TO THE MAMU SHOW 🍿🇬🇪#FIBAWC x @Mamukelashvili5 | @Lakers pic.twitter.com/fc4aN5AYAj
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
We’ve got a fun one in the Otar Korkia and Nodar Jorjikia Tbilisi Sports Palace!
AUGUST 28 / 11:52 a.m. ET
Georgia leads after one
The Crusaders are up 27-17 after the first quarter, controlling the rim to the tune of a 12-2 advantage in points in the paint.
Goga Bitadze (10 pts, 2 3PM) has been a force so far, scoring inside and out.
AUGUST 28 / 11:30 a.m. ET
Georgia and Montenegro underway
Georgia (3-3) features new Los Angeles Laker Sandro Mamukelashvili, the Orlando Magic’s Goga Bitadze and former Brooklyn Net Tornike Shengelia, while Montenegro (4-2) boasts former Dallas Mavericks point guard Yogi Ferrell.
The Crusaders are seeking to stay alive in Group I, while The Black Mountain is currently part of a three-way tie for second place, chasing Spain (5-1).
AUGUST 28 / 10:36 a.m. ET
Sotto seals the win for the Philippines
Kai Sotto (18 pts, 14 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl) rejected a Jordanian drive at the buzzer to seal an 82-81 overtime win for the Philippines as the home fans went wild.
“That may be the block of the window,” said the announcer. “Sotto said ‘not in my house!’”
THIS IS KAI SOTTO’S HOUSE 👾#FIBAWC x #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/pF8c4xMkfZ
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
Jordan led by as many as 18 points early in the game, paced by Freddy Ibrahim (22 pts, 4 3PM) and former Toronto Raptors guard Jalen Harris (19 pts).
The Al-Nashama drop into a three-way tie with New Zealand and Iran for the No. 2 spot in Group E at 5-2, while the Philippines raises its record to 3-4.
AUGUST 28 / 10:12 a.m. ET
South Sudan holds on to beat Nigeria
Chimeze Metu (17 pts) tied it with just under two minutes to go for Nigeria, but South Sudan showed their depth and scored the last three points of the contest to win 64-61.
Marial Shayock (19 pts) and Carlik Jones (11 pts, 8 reb, 12 ast) were the main impetus for the Bright Stars, while Kur Kuath and former NBA talent JT Thor scored the final points to claim the victory.
Wenyen Gabriel (10 pts, 3 blk) lifted them early in the fourth quarter when both Shayock and Jones hit the bench.
💯 Perfect timing, perfect finish! 🇸🇸 🔥#FIBAWC | #STepItUp pic.twitter.com/RLeStTGXRQ
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
Josh Okogie (14 pts, 8 reb) also had a strong game for Nigeria.
The game saw five lead changes and six ties.
AUGUST 28 / 9:36 a.m. ET
Shayok brings South Sudan back on top
64-61 entering the fourth quarter, as Marial Shayok (16 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast) and Carlik Jones (11 pts, 8 ast) control the game’s action.
Shayok scored eight straight points to open the third, including two 3-pointers, lifting South Sudan.
Chimezie Metu (14 pts on 6-for-12 shooting) is grinding his way to efficiency for the D’Tigers, keeping them in it as part of a group effort.
South Sudan’s seeking to hold on to the No. 2 spot in Group E with a win, while Nigeria needs a victory to stay with the pack.
AUGUST 28 / 9:11 a.m. ET
Kai Sotto and the Philippines battling
The 7-foot-3 center and the Gilas fell behind early against Jordan, but they’re racing to get back in the game.
The Kaiju is BACK 😤#FIBAWC x #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/vc4MPwzGWJ
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 28 / 8:59 a.m. ET
Nigeria rallies to lead at the half
The D’Tigers lead 46-43, boosted by a 30-19 advantage on the glass, including 12 offensive rebounds. They won the second quarter 27-13.
Josh Okogie (9 pts) is their top scorer, while Carlik Jones (9 pts, 4 ast) is the lead man for South Sudan. Former Philadelphia 76er Marial Shayok (8 pts) is also contributing for the Bright Stars.
AUGUST 28 / 8:44 a.m. ET
South Sudan leads Nigeria
The Bright Stars are up 37-32 with 4:13 to go in the second quarter, seeking to earn their second win of this qualifying round.
Lead guard Carlik Jones (7 pts, 3 ast), the 2023 G League Most Valuable Player, is keying their offense.
AUGUST 28 / 8:34 a.m. ET
The best performances from Thursday
Check out how NBA players performed in Thursday’s action, including a perfect performance from Japan’s Rui Hachimura.
AUGUST 28 / 8:21 a.m. ET
A poster from New Zealand
Shea Ili, a two-time NBL champion in Australia, has an old-fashioned one-handed throw down to open your Friday morning.
SHEA THE ILLEST 😱#FIBAWC x #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/Wv5LIz2HbA
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 28 / 12:10 a.m. ET
Thursday’s results
Thursday’s scores in Americas qualifying:
USA 89, Chile 71
Canada 86, Panama 66
Dominican Republic 94, Brazil 90
Argentina 89, Puerto Rico 75
Bahamas 103, Uruguay 94
Mexico 112, Colombia 86
Thursday’s scores in European qualifying:
France 92, Slovakia 67
Germany 99, Netherlands 83
Sweden 86, Finland 81
Hungary 85, Estonia 67
Croatia 115, Latvia 80
Poland 106, Israel 86
Thursday’s scores in African qualifying:
South Sudan 81, Guinea 71
Angola 100, Democratic Republic of Congo 68
Cameroon 78, Nigeria 62
Côte d’Ivoire 83, Mali 77
Tunisia 60, Cape Verde 56
Egypt 76, Senegal 67
Thursday’s scores in Asian qualifying:
China 83, Qatar 57
Japan 106, Saudi Arabia 78
Lebanon 93, South Korea 74
AUGUST 27 / 11:39 p.m. ET
Oh, Canada!
Trae Bell-Haynes scored 18 points as Canada beat Panama 86-66 and improved to 7-0.
Canada stay perfect in the Qualifiers 🇨🇦👏#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/VReUtvIRIX
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 10:54 p.m. ET
Canada leads at the half
Halftime#SMNT #OPQT pic.twitter.com/TuYfTBhtK7
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 9:46 p.m. ET
Canada is underway
Canada, the last of the unbeaten teams in Group E or F, is underway against Panama.
Tonight’s starting lineup against Panama, presented by @cetaphilcanada
—
Le cinq partant de ce soir contre le Panama, présenté par @cetaphilcanada 🍁#SWNT #OPQT pic.twitter.com/rKj3XfYs2D
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 9:38 p.m. ET
Back in the saddle again
The USA win, combined with a 94-90 loss by Brazil against Dominican Republic, lifted the USA (6-1) into a first-place tie with Brazil (6-1) at the top of the Group E standings.
Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 takes down Brazil on the road! #FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/ZHkdrTXKnS
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 9:16 p.m. ET
USA wins on the road
Cole Swider scored 19 points and USA earned an 89-71 win on the road against Chile on Thursday night.
USA will square off against Colombia next on Monday night in Washington, DC.
We move to 6-1 overall in Qualifying! @coleswider21 19 pts, 8 reb@lamon_legend 15 pts, 5 reb@TheNatural_05 11 pts, 7 ast
🇺🇸 #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/9SJBMZ5JOb
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 8:56 p.m. ET
Big W for Argentina
Gabriel Deck scored 23 points and hauled in six rebounds to lead Argentina to an 89-75 win over Puerto Rico.
Argentina get it done in front of their home crowd 🏠💙#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/AcXQxJ8hvW
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 8:52 p.m. ET
USA running away from Chile
The two teams endured a stoppage due to a scoreboard outage during the third quarter, but the game resumed and USA led 68-51 at the end of the third.
End 3Q: 🇺🇸 68 🇨🇱 51
📺 https://t.co/xK9tN5H0tF#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/RbATBOl6zi
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 28, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 7:55 p.m. ET
USA 44, Chile 28 at the half
USA is firmly in control, shooting 17-for-29 from the floor and 5-for-8 from 3 in the first half.
Orlando Robinson II leads all scorers with 9 points, and Jaron Blossomgame has 7 points. Sebastian Herrera and Franco Morales both have 7 points for Chile.
20 minutes down, 20 to go in Santiago!@lamon_legend 9 pts, 4 reb@JaronBgame 7 pts, 2 ast
📺 https://t.co/xK9tN5H0tF
🇺🇸 #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/W3PjVIOWMR
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 7:35 p.m. ET
USA up big after 1st quarter
Orlando Robinson II leads USA with six points, and USA is up 23-8 over Chile at the end of the 1st quarter.
Team USA shot 9-for-14 from the field in the 1st quarter.
End 1Q: 🇺🇸 23 🇨🇱 8
📺 https://t.co/xK9tN5H0tF pic.twitter.com/giLIyKh1gc
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 6:55 p.m. ET
USA and Chile on deck
USA (5-1) has a road game against Chile tipping off at 7:10 p.m. ET.
🇺🇸 Starters vs 🇨🇱 Chile
1⃣ Mike James
2⃣ Kevon Harris
3⃣ James Nunnally
4⃣ Jaron Blossomgame
5⃣ Orlando Robinson II
📺 DAZN pic.twitter.com/r3ZoCJasN5
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 6:20 p.m. ET
Argentina and Puerto Rico square off
Jose Alvarado and Puerto Rico try to turn around their fortunes against a tough Argentina squad.
Throwing it back to the 2011 #AmeriCup before tonight’s @FIBAWC Qualifiers game! 🔥😮💨
Who’s taking the W tonight? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/wC6ycWJC0L
— FIBA AmeriCup (@AmeriCup) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 4:31 p.m. ET
Wemby leads France to win
Victor Wembanyama (22 pts, 9 reb) and France eased to a 92-67 victory over Slovenia to cap the afternoon window of action, lifting them to a Group L-best 6-1 record.
The Kings’ Maxime Raynaud (13 pts, 8 reb, 3 ast) chipped in as well.
AUGUST 27 / 4:12 p.m. ET
Mario shows his form
The No. 5 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft is back in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and showed off the skill that brought him back in Croatia’s 115-80 win over Latvia.
Mario Hezonja is READY for the season 🫡
28 PTS, 7 AST, 8/8 2FG, 3 REB & W against Latvia. pic.twitter.com/nxc5Idz5G1
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 3:55 p.m. ET
Schröder sparks Germany
Dennis Schröder (25 pts on 7-for-11 shooting) was the driving force behind Germany’s 99-83 win over the Netherlands, keeping them alive as they chase undefeated Poland in Group K.
The veteran’s quickness and craft stands out on the international stage, where he’s able to burst to the rim seemingly at will.
Dennis Schroder is the greatest show in the game ⚡️
23 PTS and 6 AST over Netherlands for another Germany win! pic.twitter.com/ZmmmJWnJRA
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 3:33 p.m. ET
One time for Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura came back HOT. HOT. HOT. 🔥
29 PTS on 84.7% FG, 4 REB, 2 STL and 1 BLK over Saudi Arabia to help Akatsuki Japan to a 106-78 win 😳#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/oFgcWBwmqe
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 3:15 p.m. ET
Alien sighting
Wemby’s up to 14 points for France. It may be the summer, but the Spurs’ superstar remains cool.
At this point, Victor Wembanyama is not even fair. 🛸#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/M0AdiHWUZr
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 2:49 p.m. ET
Karlo to the rafters
The Croatian big man is a regular League Pass sensation. Textbook elevation on the reverse jam here.
KARLO MATKOVIC CAN FLYYYYY ✈️#FIBAWC x @PelicansNBA pic.twitter.com/PCF4QBun7Y
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 2:30 p.m. ET
France tips off against Slovenia
The San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama leads France, along with the Kings’ Maxime Raynaud and the Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert, against Slovenia.
France also features longtime NBA scorer Evan Fournier and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarott, who formerly played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks.
AUGUST 27 / 2:06 p.m. ET
Japan running away from Saudi Arabia
The Samurai are up 78-50 with 5:16 to go in the third quarter, sparked by the LA Clippers’ Rui Hachimura (27 pts on 10-for-10 shooting) and Yuki Kawamura (4 pts, 8 ast).
Yuki Kawamura’s got VISION 👁️#FIBAWC x #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/RBN8wNB2rc
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
Hachimura, who also stepped up in the 2026 NBA Playoffs for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been a cut above the competition in this one, barely looking bothered en route to a perfect shooting performance.
AUGUST 27 / 1:55 p.m. ET
Croatia, Germany tipping off respective contests
NBA players in action during this window of games include Ivica Zubac of the Indiana Pacers, Mario Hezonja of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Karlo Matković of the New Orleans Pelicans, who lead Croatia against Lithuania, joined by former NBA talent Dario Šarić.
Germany boasts Dennis Schröder and the Orlando Magic’s Tristan Da Silva as they face the Netherlands, which is led by Rienk Mast, who showed out for the Pacers’ 2026 NBA Summer League squad in recent months.
AUGUST 27 / 1:45 p.m. ET
Hansen Yang is in the house
The Trail Blazers’ center starred for China as they beat Qatar 83-57, putting up 15 points and 9 rebounds, as well as this graceful slam.
Hansen Yang is a BULLY 💪#FIBAWC x #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/rXMDauu0uG
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 1:35 p.m. ET
Sweden defeats Finland behind Larsson
Pelle Larsson (31 pts, 5 reb) led the Swedish team to a 86-81 win over Lauri Markkanen (11 pts, 2 3PM) and Finland, slashing to the rim repeatedly to spur his squad.
Larsson, who started 54 games for the Heat last season, shot 9-for-17 from the field and 11-for-14 from the free throw line in the win.
AUGUST 27 / 1:10 p.m. ET
Côte d’Ivoire and Mali going down to the wire
Los Éléphants are led by the New York Knicks’ Pacôme Dadiet (6 pts), who is making his senior international debut after representing France as a youth.
67-65 Côte d’Ivoire with just over four minutes left.
AUGUST 27 / 12:50 p.m. ET
Missi leads Cameroon to win
Yves Missi (24 pts, 9 reb, 4 blk) put on one of the standout performances of the day to pace Cameroon to a 78-62 win over Nigeria.
The former NBA All-Rookie Second Team member in 2025 was too much for the D’Tigers, controlling the paint and helping hold Nigeria to 24% shooting.
Cameroon (6-1) maintains the top spot in Group E as the country seeks its first FIBA World Cup berth.
AUGUST 27 / 12:42 p.m. ET
Finland and Sweden dueling
49-46 Finland with 6:15 to go in the third quarter, but Pelle Larsson (14 pts) has outdone Lauri Markkanen (4 pts) so far in a battle of NBA wings.
Sweden also features former Detroit Pistons wing Bobi Klintman, who was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
A classic Heat attack to the rack for this finish.
Pelle pulls the rabbit out of the hat 🎩#FIBAWC x @MiamiHEAT pic.twitter.com/0BK2tAYSpZ
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 27 / 11:30 a.m. ET
‘His royal airiness, the King of Cameroon’
Yves Missi (11 pts, 4 reb) just went thundering down the baseline to throw down a huge one-handed poster dunk over Ebeka Izundu, a former Miami Hurricane who now plays in Serbia.
TELL THEM HOW YOU REALLY FEEL @YVES_MISSI 🤯#FIBAWC | @PelicansNBA pic.twitter.com/6P1WkXS0uH
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
Missi has been dominant so far, bringing Cameroon to a 32-22 lead with 5:11 left to go in the second quarter.
AUGUST 27 / 11:09 a.m. ET
Okogie flying around for Nigeria
Josh Okogie, now of the Utah Jazz, is showing his trademark hustle for Nigeria as they get rolling against Cameroon, grabbing three of the first five rebounds in the contest.
Okogie (2 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast) has made his name as a energy player in the NBA.
Nigeria also features former Sacramento King Chimezie Metu and former Jazz player Udoka Azubuike, a first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
The Pelicans’ Yves Missi (9 pts) is pacing the offense for Cameroon, flashing his touch from the midrange a moment ago.
15-11 Cameroon with 3:00 to go in the first quarter.
AUGUST 27 / 10:50 a.m. ET
Jones, Gabriel show out for South Sudan in victory
Carlik Jones, the 2022-23 G League Most Valuable Player and a former member of the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls, led South Sudan with 18 points in their 81-71 victory over Guinea to open the day’s action.
The bright stars from South Sudan 🇸🇸 cruise past Guinea behind Carlik Jones’ all-around performance (18 PTS 5 REB 7 AST)!#FIBAWC x #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/l3OfXzfcB9
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
Jones put up 26.1 ppg in his MVP season for the Windy City Bulls, and now plays professionally in Serbia.
Wenyen Gabriel, who played in 150 NBA games over five seasons, topped South Sudan in rebounding with 12. He’s always been a physical presence on the glass.
AUGUST 27 / 9:00 a.m. ET
The competition is set to begin…
Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony gets us set for this qualifying round for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
Watch live on Courtside 1891 via DAZN.
In one year, it’s game time in Qatar 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/Jz3Jww5bEa
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2026
AUGUST 26 / 4:30 p.m. ET
Stars about to shine
NBA.com Jeff Zillgitt a look at the players to watch in the FIBA World Cup qualifying games, which include the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić, the Philadelphia 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe, the Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen and the Charlotte Hornets’ Dennis Schröder.
AUGUST 26 / 4:15 p.m. ET
The Germans are your reigning champions
Germany won the 2023 FIBA World Cup, as well as the 2025 Eurobasket tournament.
Both times, they were led by Dennis Schröder, one of the most accomplished international players of the modern day. He was named Most Valuable Player of both events.
AUGUST 26 / 4:00 p.m. ET
Look back at the 2023 FIBA World Cup
We’ve got deep archival coverage of the 2023 FIBA World Cup for you to peruse before this year’s qualifiers, including day-by-day recaps and highlights of the top stars.