The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has confirmed that all of Group E’s Window 4 games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers will be held in Pasay City.
The SM Mall of Asia Arena will host three games each on August 28 and 30, with the SBP tasked to organize the window.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East prompted FIBA to move the Group E games to a “neutral venue.”
Earlier, the Group C games in Windows 2 and 3 were relocated to Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan on June 29, July 2, and July 5 due to the same conflict.
“On the side of the organization, we have already formed our organizing committee for the coming window, and we’ve already been talking to the different entities, like the hotel, the airport, and the local government, in order to organize this window,” SBP Executive Director Erika Dy told Tiebreaker Times’ Mary Llenos during the unveiling of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027 logo at SM Seaside Cebu on Wednesday.
The Philippines also hosted the Window 2 matchup between China and Chinese Taipei at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last February.
Window 4 action begins on August 28 with Syria taking on Australia, Iran facing New Zealand, and the Philippines battling Jordan.
On August 30, Australia faces Jordan, New Zealand takes on Syria, and Gilas Pilipinas closes the slate against Iran.
Gilas enters the fourth window on a four-game losing streak after opening the qualifiers with back-to-back victories in Window 1.
The Philippines is currently tied with Syria for the bottom spot in Group E with identical 2-4 records.
Beyond the logistical preparations, the SBP is also ramping up Gilas Pilipinas’ buildup for what will be a crucial qualifying window.
“As Coach Tim (Cone) always talks about, we have been preparing in windows. From two years back, lahat ng pinaghirapan nila simula noon, nagco-compile ‘yan at nagco-contribute sa lalaruin nila this coming window,” said Dy.
“But just the same, two weeks before that window, they will convene together again in order to prepare specifically for Jordan and Iran.”
