Doha, Qatar: The FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee (LOC), in collaboration with the Qatar School Sports Association, yesterday announced the launch of the first event Basketball Mini World Cup in the Middle East - a one-of-a-kind initiative in the region.

The tournament, which will be run over two seasons (2025-2026 and 2026-2027), falls under the School Olympic Program and will be run under the supervision of FIBA in association with the Qatar Basketball Federation. The tournament will replicate the competitive nature of the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 on a school level, providing young players with a genuine World Cup experience.

The details were unveiled during a press conference held at the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Headquarters, attended by QOC Sports Sector Director and President of the Qatar School Sports Association Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Organizing Committee Director General and Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) President Mohamed Saad Al Mughaseeb, Executive Director of the Sports Department at the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Saadon Sabah Al Kuwari and School Olympic Program Executive Director Abdulrahman Al Muftah, alongside several other senior officials.

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In its first season, running from November 4, 2025, to April 2026, 32 secondary schools from across Qatar will compete under their own names. In the second season, aligned with the 2026-2027 School Olympic Program, the same teams will represent the qualified national teams for the Qatar 2027, offering students a closer connection to the real competition.

Speaking on the occasion, QBF President Al Mughaiseeb noted that the launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup represents a pioneering step.

“For the first time in the Middle East, we are connecting our youth to one of the world's greatest sporting events. This initiative offers them a unique opportunity that combines athletic challenge with meaningful educational experiences, nurturing their skills while instilling the values of excellence and teamwork,” Al Mughaiseeb said.

Sheikh Khalifa noted that the programme aims to leave a lasting legacy.

“Through this partnership, we aim for the tournament to leave a lasting legacy, encompassing state-of-the-art sports facilities, development programs for youth and juniors, and increased participation in sports across all segments of society, while ensuring the highest standards of organization and providing an unforgettable experience for student-athletes,” Sheikh Khalifa said.

Alongside the on-court action, a series of interactive activities will be organized, giving students and their schools the opportunity to experience the journey of preparing for a World Cup as Qatar gears up to host the FIBA spectacle in 2027.

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