Your Guide to FIBA World Cup 2023: Teams, Schedule and Venues
As the premier international basketball competition, the FIBA World Cup showcases the best talent from around the globe. Every four years, national teams compete for the world championship and the opportunity to represent their country on the global stage. The 2023 FIBA World Cup will feature 32 teams from 6 continents facing off in 8 venues across three host countries. Whether you’re a diehard hoops fan or new to the sport, this guide provides an overview of everything you need to know about the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup — from the qualified teams and competition format to the schedule of must-watch matches and world-class venues. Get ready to experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat as the world’s top basketball players and teams battle for the world champion title.
What Is the FIBA World Cup?
What Is the FIBA World Cup?
The FIBA World Cup is the premier international basketball competition held every four years. Organized by FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, it features the men’s national teams from FIBA’s member federations.
First held in 1950, the FIBA World Cup determines the world champions in men’s basketball. The United States has won the most titles with five championships. The current champions are Spain, who won their second title in 2019.
The FIBA World Cup in 2023 is scheduled in Indonesia and Japan. The duration of the Philippines trip is from August 25 to September 10. 2023. Thirty-two national teams will compete in 8 groups during the preliminary round. The top two teams in each group will advance to the final round of 16.
The final round will follow a single-elimination format until the last two teams compete for the championship in a single final match. In addition to glory and a trophy, the winner qualifies directly for the 2024 Olympics basketball tournament.
Venues for the 2023 FIBA World Cup include several significant stadiums across the three host nations. Notable venues include the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Philippines.
With participants from every region of the world, thrilling upsets, and buzzer-beaters, the FIBA World Cup promises to showcase the best international basketball. Take advantage of this premier basketball event in 2023!
FIBA World Cup 2023 Host Cities and Venues
The FIBA World Cup 2023 will be hosted across multiple cities in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, bringing the excitement of international basketball to Asia. Below are the host cities and venues for the tournament.
Philippines
Manila will host games at the Mall of Asia Arena, an indoor arena with a capacity of over 20,000. The Mall of Asia Arena is a popular venue for concerts, sports, and other significant events in Pasay City.
Indonesia
Jakarta will host matches at the BritAma Arena, which has a capacity of over 8,000. The BritAma Arena is located within the Jakarta International Expo Center and hosted basketball at the 2018 Asian Games.
Surabaya will use the GOR Tunjungan, an indoor arena that seats up to 6,000. The GOR Tunjungan, located within the Tunjungan Sports Center, regularly hosts sporting events and was used for badminton and table tennis at the 2011 Southeast Asian Games.
Japan
Matches in Japan will be played at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City, which can seat over 37,000, and the Hiroshima Sun Plaza in Hiroshima City, with a capacity of over 9,000. The Saitama Super Arena is one of the largest indoor arenas in the world and hosted Olympic basketball in 2020, while the Hiroshima Sun Plaza is a popular venue for sports, concerts, and other significant events in western Japan.
Qualified National Teams for the FIBA World Cup 2023
The FIBA World Cup 2023 will feature 32 of the top national basketball teams from around the globe. As the host country, the Philippines automatically qualifies for a spot in the tournament. The remaining 31 teams will earn their place through a series of qualifying matches in the various FIBA regions:
Africa (5 teams)
- Teams: Angola, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa
- Qualified through FIBA AfroBasket 2021
Americas (7 teams)
- Teams: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, USA, Venezuela
- Qualified through FIBA AmeriCup 2021
Asia and Oceania (8 teams)
- Teams: Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Jordan, New Zealand, South Korea
- Qualified through FIBA Asia Cup 2021 and FIBA Oceania Championship 2021
Europe (12 teams)
- Teams: Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Spain
- Qualified through FIBA EuroBasket 2022
Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (4 teams)
- Teams: 3 teams from Europe/Africa, 1 team from the Americas
- Qualified through FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments 2023
Wildcards (2 teams)
- Teams: To be determined by FIBA based on performance in international competitions from 2019–2022.
The qualified national teams represent some of the top talent in international basketball. With NBA stars and professional players from leagues around the world, the level of competition at the FIBA World Cup 2023 is sure to be exciting. The battle for the championship trophy and the title of best in the world will come down to which team has the most profound talent, tightest chemistry, and strongest will to win.
Group Stage Draw and Match Schedule
The 32 teams participating in the FIBA World Cup 2023 have been divided into eight groups of 4 for the group stage. Each team will play the other three teams in their group once. Each group will send the top 2 teams to the next scene — the knockout stage.
Group Stage Draw
The official draw to determine the groupings was held in Manila, Philippines, on December 8, 2022. Teams were seeded based on their FIBA World Ranking as of November 2022. The groups are as follows:
Group A: USA, Greece, New Zealand, Korea
Group B: Spain, Lithuania, Australia, Venezuela
Group C: Argentina, Croatia, Turkey, Japan
Group D: France, Serbia, Italy, Angola
Group E: Slovenia, Germany, Canada, Senegal
Group F: Czech Republic, Poland, Brazil, Tunisia
Group G: China, Iran, Philippines, Lebanon
Group H: Nigeria, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Morocco
Match Schedule
The group stage will be held across four cities in the Philippines — Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Olongapo from August 25 to September 2, 2023. Each team will play 1 match per day over four consecutive days. The knockout stage will begin on September 4 in Manila. The full schedule is as follows:
August 25–28: Group stage (Groups A-D)
August 29-September 1: Group stage (Groups E-H)
September 2: Rest day
September 4–7: Round of 16
September 8–9: Quarterfinals
September 10: Rest day
September 11–12: Semifinals
September 13: 3rd place match and Final
The top 2 teams from each group and the four best 3rd placed teams will advance to the round of 16. The knockout matches will be held in Manila, with the semifinals and final at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Star Players to Watch at the FIBA World Cup
At the FIBA World Cup 2023, many star players will be taking the court representing their national teams. Some of the top players to watch include:
Jordan Clarkson (Philippines)
The Utah Jazz star will likely be the most popular NBA player in the Philippines since he wants to help Gilas Pilipinas get a spot in the Olympics in Paris by playing in the global cage show.
As a naturalized Gilas player, Jordan Clarkson is seen as someone who could help the team reach its goal thanks to his NBA background and ability to put up big numbers in front of passionate home fans.
Karl-Anthony Towns (Dominican Republic)
The Minnesota Timberwolves, who will be playing in the World Cup for the first time, will be one of the teams Gilas Pilipinas will have to beat.
Karl-Anthony Towns was born in New Jersey, but since 2012, he has played in youth events for the Dominican Republic, even though he was born there. Jacqueline Cruz, his late mother, was from the Dominican Republic. His ability to play inside and outside will greatly help the team that wants to get out of Group A and stop Gilas’s bid to do the same.
Luka Dončić (Slovenia)
The 2018 EuroLeague MVP and 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year, Dončić is a generational talent known for his versatile scoring ability, court vision, and clutch plays. At 20 years old, he led Slovenia to a EuroBasket title in 2017, earning the MVP award. Two years later, Dončić looks to cement his status as one of the world’s best on basketball’s biggest stage.
Rudy Gobert (France)
The individual who has won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award three times., Gobert is a 7-foot-1 center known as “The Stifle Tower” for his shot-blocking and rim-protecting prowess. He led France to a World Cup bronze medal in 2014 and will be hungry to win their first gold in 2023. Offensively, Gobert is an efficient scorer around the basket who excels at put-backs, lobs and pick-and-roll finishes.
Tournament Format and Qualification System
The FIBA World Cup features 24 national teams competing to be crowned world champions in men’s basketball. Teams qualify for the World Cup through their respective FIBA zone championships, and the host nation automatically prepares.
Tournament Format
Six groups, each of 24 teams, for the preliminary round. Each team plays the other three teams in its group. The top two teams in every group and the top four third-place teams will move forward to the round of 16.
From there, the tournament follows a single-elimination format until the final. The championship game is between the last two remaining teams.
Qualification System
- National teams qualify for the FIBA World Cup through their continental championships and zone qualifications and by being the host nation. The host nation automatically prepares.
- Continental championships like the FIBA EuroBasket, FIBA AfroBasket, FIBA Asia Cup, and FIBA AmeriCup serve as qualifying tournaments for the FIBA World Cup. The top-finishing teams from each continental championship earn berths in the World Cup.
- Teams participate in zone qualifications to earn World Cup spots for zones without continental championships like Oceania. Two Oceania teams qualify through the FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup.
- The remaining spots are allocated through wild card invitations determined by FIBA based on a nation’s strength and competitiveness.
- FIBA determines the number of berths for each continent and zone based on the strength and depth of the teams. For the 2023 World Cup, FIBA has yet to announce the qualification system and number of spots for each region.
Following the qualification system and tournament format, the 2023 FIBA World Cup will feature the top national teams and players and provide exciting basketball action. Stay tuned for more details on teams, schedules, and venues as the tournament approaches.
History of the FIBA Basketball World Cup
The FIBA Basketball World Cup has a long and storied history dating back to 1950. Originally called the FIBA World Championship, the inaugural tournament was held in Argentina and featured ten national teams. Over the years, the World Cup has grown tremendously in scale and prestige.
Early Years (1950–1990)
The first few decades of the World Cup were dominated by South American teams, with Brazil winning 5 of the first seven championships. The tournament began to gain more worldwide recognition and participation starting in 1970, with the addition of more European and African teams. The Soviet Union emerged as a powerhouse, winning three straight titles from 1967 to 1974.
Rise in Popularity (1990-present)
The World Cup rose to new heights beginning in the 1990s and 2000s. More countries entered the tournament, expanding from 16 to 24 teams in 1994 and 32 in 2019. Global interest surged, especially as NBA stars began to participate. Iconic “Dream Teams” from the United States featuring legends like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird helped catalyze the tournament’s Popularity and competitiveness.
Recent years have seen a greater diversity of participating countries and medaling teams. Spain won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2019, while the 2019 tournament in China was the largest and most viewed World Cup yet, demonstrating basketball’s status as a premier global sport.
The Future
The FIBA World Cup continues to break new ground, with the 2023 tournament set to be held across multiple countries in East Asia for the first time. The event is sure to attract record participation, viewership, and sponsorship. While the World Cup’s long history is a testament to the international spirit of basketball, its brightest days may still lie ahead. Overall, the FIBA World Cup has an illustrious past, a vibrant present, and a promising future as one of the world’s significant sporting events.
How to Get Tickets for the FIBA World Cup 2023
Getting Tickets
Tickets for the FIBA World Cup 2023 will go on sale in late 2022 or early 2023. There are a few ways to purchase tickets once they become available:
Online: The primary method for purchasing tickets will be through the official FIBA World Cup 2023 website. You can view available tickets for each venue and match, compare prices for different seating areas, and complete your purchase electronically. Be sure to create an account in advance and check the site regularly, as tickets may sell out quickly.
Box Office: Tickets may also be available for purchase in person at the box office of each venue. However, there may be long wait times, and tickets are not guaranteed. Try purchasing tickets online first before going to a box office.
Authorized Resellers: FIBA may allow select third-party ticket resellers to sell authentic tickets to World Cup matches. Resellers like Ticketmaster and StubHub are standard options. Be very wary of purchasing from unauthorized resellers, as the keys may be counterfeit. Only buy from trusted sources approved by FIBA.
Hospitality Packages: For premium experiences, FIBA will offer official hospitality packages in collaboration with various hospitality partners. Packages typically include premium match tickets, hotel accommodation, and other exclusive benefits. Information regarding pricing and specifics will be disclosed as the date draws nearer to the event.
To secure tickets, especially for high-demand matches like the finals, create an account on the FIBA World Cup 2023 website as soon as possible and check for ticket pre-sales and general on-sale announcements. Be ready to log in and complete your purchase as quickly as possible before tickets sell out. With some luck and planning, you’ll cheer on your favorite national team live at the FIBA World Cup 2023!
FIBA World Cup 2023 FAQ: Answering All Your Questions
FIBA World Cup 2023 FAQ: Answering All Your Questions
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup is approaching quickly. Approaching as the premier international basketball tournament, the World Cup features the top national teams from around the globe competing for the championship. If you have questions about the 2023 World Cup, we have answers.
When and where is the 2023 FIBA World Cup?
The FIBA World Cup is scheduled to take place in 2023. The event has been designed for August. 25 and will continue for a specific duration. September 10, 2023. the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
Which teams will compete?
Thirty-two national basketball teams. The teams participating in the tournament include Spain, the current champion, and the host countries Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Top teams like the United States, Serbia, Greece, Australia, and France will also compete. The final team rosters have yet to be announced.
What is the tournament format?
A total of 32 teams have been separated into eight different groups. Of four. Teams each. The top two teams in each group advance to the knockout stage. From there, it is a single-elimination bracket to determine the champion.
How can I watch the games?
The 2023 FIBA World Cup games will be broadcast worldwide on television and streaming services. In the U.S., most games will likely be shown on the ESPN family of networks. The official FIBA website will also stream all matches live. Check with broadcast partners in your country for local coverage details.
When do tickets go on sale?
Ticket packages for the 2023 FIBA World Cup will go on sale in late 2022 or early 2023. Single-game tickets typically go on sale closer to the start of the tournament. Prices and seating options will vary between venues. For the best selection, purchase tickets as early as possible through the official FIBA website or ticket partners in the host countries.
With many top basketball countries and players represented, the 2023 FIBA World Cup will feature exciting matchups and intense competition. Start planning to experience all the action in person, or tune in to watch this premier global basketball event. Let the countdown to the World Cup begin!
Conclusion
The excitement continues to build as the weeks count down to the FIBA World Cup 2023. This prestigious tournament only occurs every four years, so you’ll want to make the most of it. Whether attending in person or following from home, you now have all the details on teams, schedules, and venues to experience the action entirely. The world’s best players will be on display in some of the most iconic basketball cities. Records will be broken, underdogs will emerge, and new champions will be crowned. Stay tuned for all the drama, passion, and athleticism of FIBA World Cup 2023 — it promises to be a tournament you won’t forget. The countdown is on, so get ready for a thrill ride of nonstop basketball and enjoy every moment of the FIBA World Cup 2023.
