In a move to connect the next generation with the global stage of basketball, the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, in partnership with the Qatar School Sports Association, has unveiled the inaugural Basketball Mini World Cup, set to run across two school seasons from 2025 to 2027.
Announced at a press conference last Sunday held at the Al Wajbah Hall of the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters, the event drew key figures from Qatar’s sports leadership, including Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of Sports Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar School Sports Association; Mohamed Saad Al-Mughaiseeb, Director General of the FIBA World Cup Qatar 2027 Organizing Committee and President of the Qatar Basketball Federation; and Saadon Sabah Al-Kuwari, Executive Director of the Sports Department at the FIBA World Cup Organizing Committee.
The Mini World Cup, the first of its kind in the Middle East, will serve as a school-level simulation of the upcoming 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Organized under the supervision of FIBA and the Qatar Basketball Federation as part of the School Olympic Program, the initiative aims to merge education, culture, and sport into a single developmental platform for young athletes.
In the first season (2025–2026), 32 secondary schools across Qatar will compete under their official school banners.
The season will conclude with a championship game in May 2026 at the Aspire Dome, one of Qatar’s premier sports venues.
The second season (2026–2027) will elevate the competition by allowing schools to represent the national teams that qualify for the 2027 World Cup, offering a more immersive experience that mirrors the global tournament’s excitement.
Beyond competition, the Mini World Cup will feature interactive and educational activities that bring students closer to the experience of hosting and preparing for a world-class sporting event. The project’s broader mission is to promote teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility among student-athletes while deepening their connection to the game.
“For the first time in the Middle East, we are connecting our youth to one of the world’s greatest sporting events,” said Mohamed Saad Al-Mughaiseeb.
“This initiative combines athletic challenge with meaningful educational experiences, nurturing their skills while instilling the values of excellence and teamwork.”
Al-Mughaiseeb added that the ultimate goal is to build a sustainable legacy through sport: “We aim to raise sporting awareness among students and reinforce basketball as a cultural and educational force that inspires future generations.”
Meanwhile, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani emphasized that the initiative reflects Qatar’s long-term vision for youth development and sports participation.
“Through this partnership, we aim for the tournament to leave a lasting legacy — one that encompasses advanced sports facilities, youth development programs, and broader engagement in physical activity across all segments of society,” Sheikh Khalifa said.
“With the support of our international and local partners, and the role of the media in amplifying our message, we are confident that we will deliver a tournament marked by exceptional sportsmanship and unforgettable experiences.”
