Philippine and Lebanese Schools Book Their Spots in the 2025–2026 Mini Basketball World Cup Final

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February 11, 2026
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11-February-2026

Philippine and Lebanese Schools Book Their Spots in the 2025–2026 Mini Basketball World Cup Final

DOHA  – The Philippine School and the Lebanese School have qualified for the final of the 2025–2026 Mini Basketball World Cup after securing impressive semifinal victories over GEMS American Academy and Universal Academy, respectively, at the Qatar Basketball Federation courts.

The first semifinal began evenly in the opening quarter before the Philippine School gradually took control, overturning the balance of play and sealing a 69–53 victory to confirm its place in the final. In the second semifinal, the Lebanese School dominated from the outset, showcasing strong performances and excellent technical skills to claim a deserved 66–31 win and secure the other spot in the championship match. The third-place playoff between Universal Academy and GEMS American Academy is scheduled for Thursday morning at the Qatar Basketball Federation courts.

The Lebanese School will face the Philippine School in the final on April 30 at Aspire Academy Arena, coinciding with the closing ceremony of the School Olympic Program season. Based on the final standings of the 2025–2026 season, each participating school in the second edition of the mini tournament (2026–2027) will have the opportunity to select the jersey of one of the national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.

Following the semifinal match, Mr. Arsenio Lacson, head coach of the Philippine School team, stated that his players delivered “an outstanding performance characterized by high skill and hard work,” noting that the team maintained determination and focus despite facing difficulties at certain stages of the game. He added, “Winning the final on April 30 is a dream for everyone, and we will do our utmost to achieve it. From a technical perspective, every player was a hero today, as their united efforts secured qualification for the final.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Gaspard Ishak, head coach of the Lebanese School team, said that his team’s technical performance had been “consistent and strong from one match to another, reflecting the players’ discipline and commitment.” He added, “We have now reached the final, where we will face the Philippine School, and the better-performing team will claim the top spot on the podium. We also commend the excellent organization and professional management of the championship.”
A total of 32 secondary schools from across Qatar took 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.

The Mini Basketball World Cup represents a pioneering initiative that combines both sporting and educational dimensions. It is being staged for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa under the supervision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in cooperation with the Qatar Basketball Federation and the Qatar School Sports Federation, using a modern competitive format inspired by the atmosphere of the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.

The championship forms part of the Schools Olympic Program for the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 seasons, reflecting an integrated vision that blends competitive excellence with educational values, contributes to building a sports-educated generation, and strengthens the role of sport as a bridge for human connection and friendship among nations.