Qatar Basketball Teams Set for Busy International Week

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July 4, 2026
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4-July-2026

Qatar Basketball Teams Set for Busy International Week

Doha: Qatar's basketball teams are preparing for an important week on the international stage, with the senior national team set to conclude the third window of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, while the country's U21 men's and women's 3×3 teams begin their campaigns at the FIBA 3×3 U21 Nations League in China.

The senior national team will face Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening in Jeddah in the final Group D fixture of the third qualification window. Although Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon have already secured qualification for the second round, the match remains highly significant as results between qualified teams will carry over to the next stage, making every victory valuable.

Lebanon currently lead Group D with nine points, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia are level on eight points each heading into the final round of fixtures.

Qatar approach the match in high spirits after defeating India 65–56 in Ahmedabad, producing an impressive second-half comeback to strengthen their qualifying campaign. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back after an 88–82 defeat to Lebanon.

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 Karadağ, Mirsad Memić, and Abdou Sow, with Mohamed Vural serving as strength and conditioning coach. The medical staff includes Dr. Adel Harmiyeh, Dr. Adel Saleem, and Nikasio Sagaino.

Qatar's 12-player roster comprises Abdulrahman Saad, Mostafa Fouda, Omar Saad, Zeineddine Badr, Mohamed Hashem, Mostafa Ndaw, Babacar Dieng, Ousmane Dieng, Aladji Bobo Magassa, Alen Hadzibegović, Donte Grantham, and Mahmoud Darwish.

Meanwhile, Qatar's U21 men's and women's 3×3 national teams have arrived in Tangshan, China, to participate in the opening stop of the FIBA 3×3 U21 Nations League 2026 – Asia 1, taking place from July 6 to 8.

The tournament represents an important stage in FIBA's youth development pathway and serves as a qualifying event for the FIBA 3×3 U21 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Wuhan, China, in September.

Qatar's men's team features Sultan Abouissa, Fahad Al Awjan, Mostafa Ndaw, Omar Ahmed, and Ghassan Hajar under head coach Bramir Berbakov, while the women's squad includes Sama Jasser, Tania Tawil, Sara Bukhit, and Tala Tawil, led by Lebanese coach Rana Bzazou.

The participation reflects the Qatar Basketball Federation's commitment to developing the 3×3 discipline by providing young athletes with valuable international experience and the opportunity to compete against some of Asia's leading emerging teams. Strong performances in the Nations League will also enhance Qatar's prospects of qualifying for the U21 World Cup and future elite FIBA 3×3 competitions.