By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Very few games remain to wrap up the last international window with 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers all around the globe, but plenty to play for from Europe to the Americas and Africa. All national teams advancing from Asia/Oceania have been decided.
The final stage of the tournament will be held from 25 August to 10 September in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia with the Gilas Pilipinas and Aka-tsuki Faibu earning an automatic berth in contrast to the third host, Indonesia. Most importantly, plenty of superstars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic are expected in Asia to represent their respective countries.
Latvia and South Sudan are the confirmed newcomers to the World Cup. A total of 19 more countries progressed alongside the projected debutants by surviving throughout the Qualifiers across the four zones. Nine more will join the field to complete the 32-team list over the next few days.
The three remaining spots in Europe remain available at the bottom end of FIBA’s window with powerhouse Serbia among the seven potential last-minute clinchers. Remarkably, the last Gameday will produce five of the seven tickets corresponding to the Americas. Also, one more berth is pending in Africa.
List of teams in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
EUROPE (9/12)
Qualified: Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Spain.
In the hunt: Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, Montenegro, Serbia.
AFRICA (4/5)
Qualified: Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, South Sudan.
In the hunt: Cape Verde, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia.
AMERICAS (2/7)
Qualified: Canada, USA.
In the hunt: Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela.
ASIA/OCEANIA (8/8)
Qualified: Australia, China, Iran, Japan (H), Jordan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Philippines (H).
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL