Qatar to host Bahrain, Saudi Arabia in basketball tune-up ahead of World Cup
DOHA: Qatar will host Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in a three-team international basketball tournament from Aug. 20-22 as part of preparations for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2026 Asian Games.
The Qatar Basketball Federation said the tournament at Al Janoub Stadium would provide the national team with a chance to test its squad ahead of a busy period of international competition.
Qatar will face Bahrain in the opening game on Aug. 20, before Bahrain meet Saudi Arabia the following day. Qatar will complete the tournament against Saudi Arabia on Aug. 22.
The games will give Qatar’s coaching staff an opportunity to assess the team’s technical and physical condition, improve cohesion and experiment with different lineups before the start of competitive fixtures.
Qatar’s preparations will continue with the fourth window of the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup. They will host China on Aug. 27 before travelling to face Japan on Aug. 30.
The tournament also serves as a test for Al Janoub Stadium, which has been converted from a football venue into a basketball arena.
The facility will be assessed for its playing surface, equipment and operational arrangements, providing valuable experience ahead of the 2027 World Cup, which Qatar will host at venues including Lusail, Al Duhail, Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah and Al Janoub.
