Neal Quinn in action against Azerbaijan’s Saadettin Donat during the Fiba Basketball World Cup 2027 European Pre-Qualifiers at the National Basketball Arena. Photo: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Ireland men’s basketball team will face North Macedonia, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan in Group A of the Fiba EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, following today’s draw in Riga.
Ireland begin their campaign away against Luxembourg on November 27, followed by a home game against top seeds North Macedonia three days later at the National Basketball Arena.
It will be the first qualifying campaign under new Ireland head coach Michael Bree, following his appointment in July.
Ireland, who are second seeds in Group A, will be up against familiar opponents, as they beat Azerbaijan twice during last year’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
The men in green also beat Luxembourg twice in the third round of the EuroBasket 2025 pre-qualifiers in 2023.
“It will be an excellent opportunity to test ourselves against quality competition in Europe. I am excited to finally get the group together and begin preparations,” Bree said.
Fiba EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers group A fixtures
Thursday, November 27: Luxembourg v Ireland
Sunday, November 30: Ireland v North Macedonia
Friday, February 27, 2026: Ireland v Azerbaijan
Monday, March 2, 2026: Ireland v Luxembourg
Thursday, July 2, 2026: North Macedonia v Ireland
Sunday, July 5, 2026: Azerbaijan v Ireland