Qatar to face Saudi Arabia in Key FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifier

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June 28, 2026
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28-June-2026

Qatar to face Saudi Arabia in Key FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifier

Doha:  Qatar’s senior national basketball team will host Saudi Arabia on Monday evening at Al Gharafa Sports Hall in a crucial Group D clash in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. The rescheduled second-window fixture is set to tip off at 7:00 PM.

The encounter carries major significance for both teams, with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon all tied at the top of Group D on five points after recording two wins and one defeat each, making it one of the most competitive groups in the Asian qualifiers.

Although Qatar have already secured a place in the second round as hosts of the 2027 World Cup, head coach Hakan Demir views the match as an important opportunity to continue building the team's rhythm, strengthen chemistry, and maintain positive momentum ahead of the third qualification window.

Qatar enter the contest following an intensive preparation programme that included a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, and two friendly matches against Tunisia, providing the coaching staff with valuable opportunities to assess the squad ahead of the return to competitive action.

The national team has enjoyed an encouraging qualifying campaign so far, narrowly losing to Lebanon in its opening game before recording a historic away victory over the Lebanese side and following it with an emphatic win over India.

Following Monday's encounter, Qatar will travel to Ahmedabad to face India on July 2 before meeting Saudi Arabia again in Jeddah on July 5 in the final game of the third qualification window.

The Qatari delegation is headed by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, alongside Team Manager Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani and Assistant Team Manager Nabil Jumaa.

The team is coached by Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, assisted by Cengiz Karadag, Marius Mijemec, Abdou Sow, and strength and conditioning coach Mohamed Vural. The medical staff includes Dr. Adel Harmiya, Dr. Adel Salim, and massage therapist Nicacio Sagaino.

Qatar's 12-player roster includes Abdulrahman Saad, Mostafa Foda, Omar Saad, Zeineddine Badr, Mohamed Hashem, Mostafa Nado, Babacar Dieng, Deng Deng (Osman), Aladji Bobo Magassa, Alen Hadzibegovic, Donte Grantham, and Mahmoud Darwish.