Qatar to host FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 — the first in the Arab world

Less than five years after successfully hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar is preparing to welcome another major global sporting event as it hosts the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 from 27 August to 12 September 2027. The tournament will mark the first time an Arab nation hosts the FIBA Basketball World Cup and only the third consecutive edition held in Asia.

According to FIBA, all 32 participating teams will be based in Doha, creating one of the most compact tournament formats in the competition's history. Fans will be able to watch multiple matches in a single day thanks to venues located within 30 minutes of each other and connected by the Doha Metro.

One City, 32 Teams, 92 Games

FIBA describes the tournament as the ultimate basketball spectacle, with 92 games scheduled over 17 days.

Tournament Highlights:

Dates: 27 August – 12 September 2027
32 national teams competing for the world title
All matches hosted in and around Doha
Venues located within approximately 30 minutes of one another
Qatar qualifies automatically as the host nation

World-Class Venues to Host the Tournament

The championship will be played across four venues, showcasing Qatar's existing world-class sports infrastructure.

Host Venues:

Lusail Arena – Semifinals and Final (capacity of over 15,000 spectators)
Al Attiyah Arena
Duhail Arena
Al Janoub Stadium, which will become the first FIFA World Cup stadium converted into a basketball arena

Compact Format to Enhance the Fan Experience

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said having all 32 teams based in one city will give fans a unique opportunity to experience more games in person than at any FIBA World Cup over the past two decades.

The tournament format includes:

Eight groups of four teams
Top two teams from each group advancing to the second group stage
Knockout rounds leading to the championship final
Qatar Continues to Grow as a Global Sporting Hub

Qatar secured the hosting rights in April 2023 following a unanimous vote by FIBA's Central Board. Built around accessibility, sustainability, and existing infrastructure, the country's single-city hosting model represents a new approach for international basketball tournaments.

Following the success of the FIFA World Cup 2022, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 further strengthens Qatar's reputation as a global destination for major sporting events, while adding another milestone ahead of hosting the 2030 Asian Games.