Mini World Cup season 2025-2026 Concludes Tuesday at Aspire Academy Arena as the First-Ever Edition in the Middle East and Worldwide

alt
May 4, 2026
basketball
feed type icon
4-May-2026

Mini World Cup season 2025-2026 Concludes Tuesday at Aspire Academy Arena as the First-Ever Edition in the Middle East and Worldwide

DOHA – The Qatari capital, Doha, is set to deliver the closing scene of the first-ever Mini World Cup, which will be held on 5 May 2026 at the Aspire Academy Arena, in an exceptional sporting experience introduced for the first time in the Middle East and world, under the guidance of FIBA and in collaboration with the Qatar Basketball Federation and the Qatar School Sports Association.

The tournament is being delivered through an innovative competitive format that mirrors the atmosphere of the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to the principles of sporting sustainability, its determination to build a lasting global basketball legacy, and its vision to expand the game’s popularity across the region, while also highlighting Qatar’s achievements in the sport and strengthening its presence on the international sporting stage.

Both schools secured their places in the final of the Mini World Cup season 2025-2026 after winning their semi-final encounters against GEMS American Academy and Global Academy International, in games held at the Qatar Basketball Federation courts, confirming their merit in reaching the final stage of the first edition of this pioneering sporting initiative.

Each school participating in the second season will be granted the opportunity to represent one of the national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. This initiative is designed to strengthen students’ direct connection with the upcoming global event, create lasting and meaningful memories, and further cement basketball’s status in Qatar and the region.

This step will deepen the direct connection between students and the upcoming global event, giving the tournament a dimension that extends far beyond competition itself, transforming it into a sustainable sporting legacy whose memories will remain deeply embedded in the hearts of students, while helping to further establish basketball as one of the most promising sports in Qatar and across the region.

This tournament brought together 32 public and private secondary schools from across Qatar, each participating under its official designation. Held within the framework of the 2026 Schools Olympic Program, the event reflects a holistic vision that combines sporting excellence with educational principles. It plays a key role in developing a sports-literate generation that can advance the future of basketball and strengthen sport’s role as a platform for cultural exchange and international friendship.

The Mini Basketball World Cup aims to seamlessly integrate sport and education into a unique experience proudly celebrated by the State of Qatar, by connecting school students with one of the world’s largest global sporting events. The tournament offers students the opportunity to engage in authentic sporting competition that fosters teamwork and collaboration, while also opening pathways for volunteering and active community participation.

On this occasion, Mr. Ahmed Al Darwish – Competitions Director, Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 ,stated that the Mini World Cup season 2025-2026 was organized according to high organizational and technical standards.

He praised the outstanding technical level demonstrated by the students throughout all stages of the tournament, which reflected the remarkable progress of school sports. The competitions showcased exceptional performances and a strong competitive spirit that embodied the promotional, educational, and sporting objectives upon which the championship was founded.

He further added that the strong turnout from schools and various expatriate communities gave the event a unique atmosphere and special character, emphasizing that this success has established a distinguished foundation for promoting the culture and love of basketball across the region and the world.