Doha: The Qatari national basketball team is gearing up to face Lebanon on Thursday evening at Lusail Multipurpose Hall. This match marks the first round of Group D encounters in the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

According to Qatar News Agency, the upcoming match holds significant importance as it represents the beginning of Qatar’s vital journey toward qualifying for the World Cup finals. This event will be hosted by Qatar for the first time in the Middle East, scheduled from August 27 to September 12, 2027, with participation from 32 teams.

The Qatari team wrapped up its preparations on the eve of the match. Following this game, they are set to visit the Lebanese national team in Beirut on Sunday at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports and Theater Complex for the second round of Group D matches. This group also includes the national teams of Saudi Arabia and India.

The Asian and Oceanian qualifiers feature a total of 16 teams, divided into four groups. Group A includes Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Guam. Group B consists of Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Group C is made up of Iran, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. Qatar is placed in Group D alongside Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and India.

The top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, where the qualified teams will be organized into two new groups. Eventually, three teams from each of these groups will secure a spot in the World Cup finals, along with the best fourth-placed team from the two groups.