The journey to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup officially gets underway today in Rades, Tunisia, where eight African nations will open their campaigns in the first window of qualification.
Final rosters for Window 1 were confirmed on Wednesday evening following a FIBA technical meeting, setting the stage for four days of intense, high-level basketball.
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From Thursday, November 27 to Sunday, November 30, teams in Groups A and C will compete in 12 fixtures at the Rades Arena, situated just outside the Tunisian capital.
This opening phase is the first of several competitive windows that will ultimately determine Africa’s five representatives at the 2027 global showpiece.
Group A brings together Cameroon, Cape Verde, Libya, and South Sudan—four sides eager to secure early momentum. South Sudan, one of Africa’s fastest-rising basketball forces, will look to extend their impressive international form.
Cape Verde and Cameroon, both known for their experienced cores and tactical discipline, are expected to provide stiff competition, while Libya will aim to make a strong impression on their return to the continental stage.
Group C features hosts Tunisia alongside Guinea, Nigeria, and Rwanda in what promises to be a fiercely contested pool. Backed by home support,
Tunisia will seek to capitalise on familiar territory. Nigeria, former African champions, return to the qualifiers with renewed ambition as they look to reclaim a seat among the continent’s elite.
Rwanda and Guinea—teams characterised by physicality, organisation, and steady development—will also be confident of springing surprises.
Teams in Groups B and D will join the action in February 2026 during Window 2, placing additional weight on the performances of Groups A and C in this opening round.
With squads confirmed and excitement building, African basketball fans can expect a captivating start to the qualifiers as the road to the 2027 World Cup officially begins in Rades.
