Côte d’Ivoire completed the fourth window of the African Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 with mixed results, but remains strongly positioned in the race for qualification for the World Cup in Qatar.
After nine games played since the start of the qualifying campaign, the Elephants now hold a record of seven wins and two losses. Côte d’Ivoire entered the fourth window with a 6-1 record and as one of Africa’s strongest teams.
A Winning Start to the Window
Côte d’Ivoire got its campaign in Dakar off to the perfect start by defeating Mali 83-77 on August 27. It was an important victory against a Malian team that was also among the leading teams in Group F. The Elephants then brilliantly followed up with another victory on matchday two, defeating Egypt 72–66 in an intense game.
The performance confirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitions following a particularly successful third qualifying window, during which the Elephants recorded an emphatic 94-51 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a spectacular 108-102 win against Madagascar.
A More Difficult End to the Window
Côte d’Ivoire then faced greater difficulties before ending the window with a heavy defeat against Angola.
The Palancas Negras claimed a 91-70 victory, handing Côte d’Ivoire its second defeat of the qualifying campaign. The result also marked Côte d’Ivoire’s heaviest defeat against Angola in several years.
Despite the setback, Côte d’Ivoire remains second of Group F ahead of the final qualifying window, which will take place in February 2027 in Abidjan.
Group F Remains Extremely Competitive
The fourth window confirmed one major trend: no team has yet qualified for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Group F features Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Angola, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Before the fourth window, four teams already had records of at least four victories.
Côte d’Ivoire will therefore need to remain focused during the final qualifying window in February 2027.
Standings after the 4th window.
Five African Spots Available for the World Cup
The qualification system offers five places to African teams at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.
At the end of the final round, the top two teams in each of Groups E and F, along with the best third-placed team, will qualify for the World Cup.
With its recent experience at the highest continental level, Côte d’Ivoire still has every chance of securing its place. However, the final window promises to be decisive.
The Elephants must now turn their strong qualifying campaign into a ticket to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.