Eight Teams Secure Quarterfinal Berths at 2025–2026 Mini Basketball World Cup

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January 30, 2026
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30-January-2026

Eight Teams Secure Quarterfinal Berths at 2025–2026 Mini Basketball World Cup

DOHA  – The race for glory continues as eight schools booked their places in the quarterfinals of the Mini Basketball World Cup 2025–2026 after securing victories in the second phase of the Round of 16. The advancing teams represent the Lebanese School, Al Andalus Private School, Philippine International School, Global Academy  International – Muaither Branch, DPS Modern Indian School, Edison Global Academy – Lusail, GEMS American Academy – Qatar, and Lycée Bonaparte French School – Doha. All matches took place on Thursday at the Qatar Basketball Federation courts.

The quarterfinal stage will take place on February 4, followed by the semifinals on February 11 and the third-place playoff on February 12. The championship will conclude with the final match on April 30 at Aspire Academy Stadium, in parallel with the conclusion of the Schools Olympic Program season. In recognition of their final standings, each school will be entitled to select the jersey of one of the national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 during the second season of the Mini World Cup.

The tournament is a pioneering sporting event, held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa under the supervision of FIBA, in collaboration with the Qatar Basketball Federation and the Qatar School Sports Association. Its innovative competitive format mirrors the atmosphere of the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, blending elite sportsmanship with a holistic educational experience.

The Mini Basketball World Cup is part of the Schools Olympic Program for the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 seasons, serving as both a sporting and educational milestone. In the first edition, schools compete under their official names, while in the second edition in 2027 ,  students will represent the national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, reinforcing a sense of pride, identity, and connection to the global basketball stage.

The championship aims to integrate sport and education through a unique national experience, connecting students with one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. It provides them with the opportunity to participate in real competition, develop teamwork, discipline, and collaboration, while opening doors to community engagement and volunteerism. Complementary interactive activities offer students a comprehensive journey into the preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, fostering a love for the game and promoting a sustainable sports and cultural legacy that inspires youth in Qatar and beyond.

A total of 32 secondary schools from across Qatar are taking part in the championship, competing under their official names: 1 - American Academy School, 2. Alpha Cambridge School, 3. Al Khor International School – British Curriculum, 4. Al Khor International School – CBSE, 5. Institute for Religious Studies Preparatory and Secondary School for Boys, 6. Al Andalus Private School, 7. Beverly Hills International School, 8. Beta Cambridge School, 9. Belgravia High School, 10. DPS Modern Indian School, 11. Edison Global Academy – Lusail, 12. GEMS American Academy – Qatar, 13. Global Academy  International – Al Waab Branch, 14. Global Academy  International – Muaither Branch, 15. Harvard American School, 16. Hassan Bin Thabit Independent Secondary School for Boys, 17. Ibn Taymiyyah Independent Secondary School for Boys, 18. The Jordanian School, 19. Lycée Français Bonaparte – Doha, 20. Loyola International School, 21. The Lebanese School, 22. The Ideal Indian School – Abu Hamour Branch, 23. Monarch International School (DPS), 24. Newton International Academy, 25. Philippine International School – Qatar, 26. Podar Pearl School, 27. Qatar-Finland International School, 28. Rajagiri Public School, 29. Stafford Sri Lankan School – Doha, 30. Cambridge School, 31. Next Generation Private School – Al Wakrah, and 32. Birla Public School.

Speaking about his impressions of the tournament, student Imaad Hussain, a player for DPS Modern Indian School, expressed strong confidence in his team’s ability to continue their journey with consistency and reach the top of the podium in this exceptional championship. He also highlighted his great enthusiasm to take part in the second edition of the tournament in 2027.

Imaad added that wearing the jersey of either the Indian national team or the Qatari national team, among the teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, represents a source of pride and honor for him, and an inspiring experience for young people in Qatar, the region, and around the world.

Mr. Chris See, coach of Global Newton Academy, stated that this exceptional tournament has helped sharpen the students’ skills and provided them with valuable experience in a game that demands both physical strength and speed. He added that it has played a key role in developing their athletic character, expressing his hope that the results of their hard work and dedication will shine in the upcoming knockout stages.

Mr. Marwan Egho, Project Director of the 2025–2026 Mini Basketball World Cup, highlighted that this edition of the tournament has showcased advanced technical levels and exceptional skills among the students. He emphasized that it provides a promising opportunity to discover new talents capable of supporting Qatar’s clubs and national teams across all age categories. He added that the championship offered students a rich and valuable experience, helping them deepen their understanding of the tournament structure, game rules, and officiating procedures.