FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers: Africa's Final 12 Set for the Second Round
The First Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers has officially concluded, with 12 nations advancing to the Second Round after six games across four groups. With only five African berths available for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar, the race is now entering its decisive stage.
Group A saw Cameroon finish atop the standings with a 5-1 record, edging South Sudan (4-2). Cape Verde secured the third qualifying spot at 3-3, while Libya was eliminated after finishing 0-6.
In Group B, Senegal emerged as group winners with a 5-1 record, narrowly ahead of Côte d'Ivoire, who also finished 5-1. DR Congo claimed the final qualifying place with a 2-4 record, while Madagascar exited the competition without a win.
Group C belonged to Nigeria, who completed an impressive 5-1 campaign to finish first. Tunisia and Guinea also advanced with identical 4-2 records, while Rwanda was eliminated after finishing last.
Group D featured another dominant performance from Mali, who topped the group with a 5-1 record. Angola followed at 4-2, while Egypt secured the third and final qualification spot with a 3-3 record. Uganda was eliminated after ending the first phase with a 0-6 record.
Second Round: Carried-Over Results Could Prove Decisive
Unlike many qualification tournaments, teams do not start the Second Round from scratch. Each nation carries over the results earned against the other qualified teams from its First Round group, creating an immediate advantage for the strongest performers.
The qualified teams are divided into two new groups of six:
Group E
- Cameroon (5-1)
- South Sudan (4-2)
- Nigeria (5-1)
- Tunisia (4-2)
- Guinea (4-2)
- Cape Verde (3-3)
Group F
- Senegal (5-1)
- Côte d'Ivoire (5-1)
- Mali (5-1)
- Angola (4-2)
- Egypt (3-3)
- DR Congo (2-4)
Each team will play six additional games against the three qualifiers from the opposite group, with the carried-over records remaining in effect throughout the Second Round.
What to Watch
Group F appears to be the most competitive, with Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Mali all entering tied at 5-1, giving them a significant advantage over Angola, Egypt and DR Congo. Every game among the group's contenders could prove decisive in the battle for qualification.
Group E is equally intriguing. Cameroon holds a slight edge at 5-1, while Nigeria, South Sudan, Tunisia and Guinea remain firmly in contention with 4-2 records. Cape Verde, starting at 3-3, still has a realistic chance but can afford very few mistakes.
The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar, while the best third-placed team across Groups E and F will earn Africa's fifth and final World Cup berth, ensuring a thrilling finish to the African Qualifiers.