Record‑Breaking Highlights
The third window of the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup unfolded in July 2027, delivering a cascade of dramatic moments that have already entered the tournament’s lore.
New Zealand surged past the Philippines in a double‑overtime thriller, edging them 106‑102 after ten minutes of extra play, a result that underscored the growing competitiveness of Oceania teams.
Korea, however, stumbled through the first round, dropping three consecutive games, including two losses to Chinese Taipei despite earlier victories over China, raising questions about their consistency.
Australia announced a new global benchmark for three‑point shooting in their encounter with Guam, while also extending their own Asian records for points, field goals and assists.
Historic Victories
Japan recorded a landmark win over China in Shenyang, 92‑73, marking their first major FIBA triumph against the Chinese side since the 1936 Olympics and building on a 76‑73 victory in the 2025 Asia Cup qualifiers.
The performance was amplified by Lebanese guard Ali Mezher, who dished out a record 15 assists in a single game, the highest ever tally in Asian Qualifiers history.
Australia maintained an unblemished run across the three qualifying windows, becoming the only team to finish the third round without a defeat, a feat that has placed them among the tournament favourites.
With Guam, Chinese Taipei, Iraq and India all eyeing the seven remaining berths, the race intensified, while host nation Qatar joined the twelve Asian and Oceanian nations vying for a spot in the 2027 World Cup.