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Dramatic Comebacks Mark FIBA World Cup Qualifying Action
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – Several thrilling contests unfolded across FIBA World Cup qualifying groups today, highlighted by a stunning Serbian rally and a dominant Turkish victory. The qualifying tournaments are underway to determine the field for the 2027 World Cup, set to be hosted in Qatar from August 27 to September 12. Qatar has already secured a spot but is participating in qualifying play.
In Group D, former Latvian national team coach Luka Banki debuted as head coach of Italy, but his team suffered an 81-76 loss to Iceland (21-21, 13-17, 20-23, 22-20).Elvar Fridriksson led Iceland with 29 points and 5 assists, while Davide Kasarins scored 19 for Italy.
group C witnessed a remarkable comeback by Serbia, overcoming a 23-point deficit to defeat Switzerland 90-86 (20-30, 14-27, 25-13, 31-16). Nušan Ristic led the Serbian scoring with 24 points, and Stefan Miljenović nearly recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 9 assists, and 8 steals, finishing with an efficiency rating of 32.Alexander Schumacher paced Switzerland with 19 points, and Selim Fofana added 15.
Turkey secured a decisive 93-71 victory (29-20, 17-25, 21-13, 26-13) over Bosnia and Herzegovina in another Group C matchup. Tarik Biberović contributed 20 points for Turkey, supported by Şehmus Hazer’s 18, while Amar Alibegović led Bosnia and Herzegovina with 18 points.
The qualifying process will see European teams vying for 12 spots, Asian and Oceanian teams competing for seven, African teams for five, and American teams for seven places in the 2027 World Cup final tournament.
