The basketball world is gearing up for the decisive day of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers, scheduled for August 31, when twelve national teams will battle for the final tickets to the tournament in Qatar.
National squads have announced their line‑ups, revealing a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Greece will field the Antetokounmpo brothers, Kostas and Thanasis, while Spain counts Darío Brizuela and Mario Saint‑Supery among its options.
Portugal’s roster includes Francisco Amarante and Diogo Brito, Georgia brings together Goga Bitadze and Tornike Shengelia, and Montenegro relies on Igor Drobnjak and Nemanja Radovic. Ukraine will count on Oleksandr Kobzystyi and Daniil Shelist, Lithuania on Justas Furmanavicius and Donatas Motiejunas, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Jusuf Nurkic and Adin Vrabac.
Italy’s squad features Nicola Akele and Matteo Spagnolo, Serbia pins its hopes on Nikola Jokic alongside Nikola Tanaskovic, Iceland showcases Sigtryggur Bjornsson and Kristinn Palsson, and Turkey will count on James Metecan Birsen and Onuralp Bitim. Each team is looking to cap its qualification campaign with a strong performance.
What’s at stake
The matches on August 31 represent the last chance for these twelve nations to secure a place in the global showcase. A successful outing could reshape the competitive balance heading into the World Cup, while also providing a platform for players to boost their international profiles.
Fans across the United States and beyond are expected to tune in, as the qualifiers serve as a prelude to the larger tournament in Qatar. The excitement underscores basketball’s growing global footprint and the depth of talent across Europe.