Boomers world title fight goes through Philippines ... again

• FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers Draw completed in Doha, outlining path for 80 competing nations
• Basketball legend Carmelo Anthony conducted the draw, assisted by Olympic champions Sir Mo Farah and Mutaz Essa Barshim
• Qualification will feature 420 games across six windows between November 2025 and March 2027

Australia's fight to qualify for the 2027 FIBA Men's World Cup once again goes through the Philippines after FIBA announced its Asian qualifying groups on Wednesday, May 13, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.

Australia is in Group A against New Zealand, Guam and the Phillipines. The last time the two countries went head-to-head the 2019 World Cup qualifier was abandoned with 1:57 left in the third quarter when an infamous brawl broke out at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Australia was destroying the Philippines 89-53 when Roger Pogoy committed two hard fouls on Chris Goulding, triggering an all-in brawl.

Ten Philippines players were suspended as well as Boomers Daniel Kickert (five games), Thon Maker (three games) and Chris Goulding (one game).

The game ended in a farce after nine Philippines players were ejected along with four Australians. Play started again after 30 minutes with just three Philippines players but June Mar Fajardo and Gabe Norwood fouled out intentionally.

The path to what is dubbed men's basketball's greatest international tournament has been revealed at a prestigious ceremony in Doha, Qatar, where 80 nations learned their qualification routes for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.

The highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers Draw took place at the stunning ALHAZM complex in Doha on May 13, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the build-up to what FIBA is calling "the biggest tournament in FIBA history."

The draw established the qualification structure for national teams worldwide, all vying for one of the 32 coveted spots at the tournament where the prestigious Naismith Trophy will be contested.

Basketball icon Carmelo Anthony, serving as FIBA Global Ambassador, conducted the draw with assistance from several other sporting legends.

British long-distance running great Sir Mo Farah, who boasts four Olympic gold medals and six world titles, joined Qatari high jump superstar Mutaz Essa Barshim, a four-time Olympic medallist. They were accompanied by Yassin Mousa, Gulf Cooperation Council basketball legend and 3x3 world champion.

In a symbolic moment highlighting basketball's global heritage, NBA legend and 2002 FIBA World Cup MVP Dirk Nowitzki presented the Naismith Trophy on stage. Nowitzki represented reigning world champions Germany, who claimed their first-ever title at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

The qualification process will span six designated windows between November 2025 and March 2027, featuring an impressive 420 games worldwide. This expanded format represents FIBA's commitment to growing the sport globally while giving more nations the opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stage.

FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis attended the ceremony alongside the FIBA Central Board, demonstrating the governing body's strong support for the event. Qatar Basketball Federation and Local Organizing Committee Director General Mohammed Al-Meghaiseeb represented the host nation, with representatives from more than 60 National Federations travelling to Doha for the occasion.

For Australian basketball fans, this tournament represents another opportunity for the Boomers to build on their historic Olympic bronze medal from Tokyo and compete against the world's elite.

With NBA stars such as Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green with the potential of Australian-born Kyrie Irving talking about committing to the Boomers for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028, Australia's goal will be to improve on their 10th-place finish at the 2023 World Cup ... a podium finish.

Australian Boomers Qualifiers

• First Round: Australia v Guam — Friday, November 28, 2025
• First Round: Australia v Guam — Monday, December 1, 2025