Lebanese School Wins the Title of the Inaugural Edition of the Mini World Cup

alt
May 5, 2026
basketball
feed type icon
5-May-2026

Lebanese School Wins the Title of the Inaugural Edition of the Mini World Cup

DOHA – In a remarkable sporting spectacle and an inspiring educational setting, the season 2025-2026 of the Mini World Cup concluded this Tuesday at Aspire Academy. The tournament was held under the auspices of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation and the Qatar School Sports Federation.

The final delivered a thrilling contest, with Lebanese School overcoming Philippine School by a score of 58-47 to claim the title of the inaugural edition of the Mini World Cup. The match was held in a vibrant atmosphere, attended by members of the Organizing Committee, enthusiastic Lebanese and Filipino supporters, and representatives of the media.

During the awards ceremony,  Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of Qatar Basketball Federation joined by Predrag Bogosavljev FIBA World Basketball Cup Qatar 2027 Director   , and Mr. Ahmed Al Darwish – Competitions Director, Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 crowned Lebanese School with the championship trophy and gold medals. Philippine secured second place with silver medals, while GEMS American Academy Qatar claimed third place and bronze medals.

The Tournament stood as a pioneering and unprecedented initiative in the Middle East and globally, delivered through an innovative competitive format inspired by the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. It reflects Qatar’s commitment to sustainability in sport, its dedication to building a lasting basketball legacy, and its efforts to expand the game’s popularity across the region.

This event coincided with the finals of the School Olympic Program for the 2025–2026 seasons, within a comprehensive vision that blends athletic excellence with educational values. This approach contributes to developing a generation that is both sports-aware and socially responsible, capable of supporting the future of basketball while strengthening sport as a platform for human connection and friendship among nations.

Approximately 32 secondary schools from across Qatar participated in the season 2025-2026 of the Mini World Cup, representing a diverse and vibrant educational landscape.

Based on the final standings of the 2025–2026 season, participating schools in the second edition (2026–2027) will be granted the opportunity to represent the national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. This innovative initiative strengthens students’ connection to the global event and adds a strategic dimension beyond competition, contributing to a sustainable sporting legacy and reinforcing basketball’s growing presence locally and regionally.

On this occasion, Predrag Bogosavljev FIBA World Basketball Cup Qatar 2027 Director  said:  “I am a great supporter and admirer of this event, which serves as an important platform for promoting the Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. By empowering young talents and students, we are not only raising awareness but also laying the foundations for a strong and sustainable basketball legacy. Attracting more youth to the sport in this region remains a key objective. The tournament has been exceptionally well organized, and I am confident that the next edition will be even more outstanding.”

likewise, Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of Qatar Basketball Federation, highlighting its success as an advanced model for leveraging sport as a tool for education and development. He emphasized that the Tournament fostered teamwork, encouraged active student participation, and expanded opportunities for volunteering, further supporting the growth and popularity of basketball among youth.

For his part, Mr. Ahmed Al Darwish – Competitions Director, Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 praised the outstanding success of the World Cup season 2025-2026, highlighting it as a progressive educational model that seamlessly integrates sport and learning within a unified vision. He emphasized that this exceptional initiative has helped nurture a well-rounded school generation with a strong passion for sport, characterized by positive competitiveness, discipline, and teamwork, thereby reinforcing the school’s central role in shaping students’ sporting values.

He further noted that the tournament represents a pivotal milestone in strengthening the legacy of school sport by transforming it into a sustainable platform for talent identification and development. He also underlined that such initiatives open new horizons for cooperation and exchange between educational institutions regionally and internationally, positioning sport as a powerful tool for education and a bridge for mutual understanding among nations.

From his side, Mr. Marwan Egho , Director of the Mini World Cup Project, emphasized that the tournament’s organization embodies our unwavering commitment to applying the standards of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), across officiating, competition formats, and court specifications. At the heart of this initiative lies our mission to cultivate a love for basketball among students, beginning within schools as the foremost nurturing ground for athletic talent and future generations.

The championship injected a vibrant and inspiring competitive spirit among participating schools, where exceptional technical levels stood out, ultimately propelling the best teams to the final of the inaugural edition.

Mr. Egho  affirmed that the second edition, to be held in October and November 2026, will adhere to the same high standards. Schools will compete under the names of national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, with Lusail Sports Arena set to host the final in a realistic simulation of one of the most eagerly anticipated global sporting spectacles.

Sharing his thoughts and joy after securing the inaugural Mini World Cup title, Lebanese School coach  Mr. Gaspard Ishak, commended the excellent organization of the tournament and that his team is determined to defend their crown in the next edition.

Meanwhile, Mr. Arsenio Lacson, head coach of the Philippine School, the runners-up, voiced his satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their solid display despite some lapses in rebounding and ball control, and conceding that the better side prevailed in the end.