Qatar U-23 Starts 3x3 Basketball World Cup Campaign

The Qatari U-23 3x3 Basketball Team has officially begun its journey at the 3x3 Basketball World Cup, which is being hosted in Xiong’an, China, from September 17 to 21, 2025. This major sporting event brings together the best young basketball talents from around the world to compete for international recognition and the championship title.

The World Cup is being played under the group stage system, where each team faces all others in their group before the top two qualify for the quarterfinals. For Qatar, the challenge began with two matches on the opening day, setting the tone for their campaign.

Two Opening Day Defeats

On the first day, Qatar faced two strong teams and unfortunately ended with two defeats.

• In their first match, Qatar played against the United States, one of the strongest teams in the tournament. Despite putting up a good fight, the Qatari team lost with a score of 15-21.

• In the second match of the same day, Qatar faced the host nation, China. The game was close, and Qatar fought hard until the last moments, but the team fell short, losing 18-21.

These two results make Qatar’s path more difficult, but the tournament is still open, as two more group matches remain.

A Tough Group For Qatar

Qatar has been placed in a challenging group, which includes the United States, China, Latvia, and Fiji. Each of these teams has its own strengths, making the group one of the toughest in the competition.

To reach the quarterfinals, Qatar must finish in the top two spots of the group. With two matches remaining, Qatar still has a chance if they manage to win against Latvia and Fiji in their upcoming fixtures on September 20.

Team Delegation And Management

The Qatari team is being led by an official delegation under the leadership of Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, who serves as the Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and also as the Director of National Teams. His presence highlights the importance Qatar places on this international event.

The delegation also includes Captain Yassin Ismail, who is serving as the Director of the 3x3 Basketball Team. His experience as a former player and leader provides valuable guidance and motivation for the young team.

Qatar’s Squad At The Tournament

The Qatari U-23 squad consists of four promising players who have already shown their skills in regional competitions. The players are:

• Mohammed Bashir
• Mahmoud Darwish
• Mubarak Jama
• Mustafa Ndaw

These players form the core of the team, each bringing unique strengths. They represent Qatar’s growing interest in 3x3 basketball, a fast-paced version of the sport that has been gaining global popularity and was even introduced in the Olympic Games.

Upcoming Matches Against Latvia And Fiji

Qatar’s next matches are scheduled for September 20, where they will play against Latvia and Fiji. Both matches are crucial, as winning them could keep Qatar’s quarterfinal hopes alive.

Latvia has a strong history in 3x3 basketball, and will pose a significant challenge. Fiji, on the other hand, is considered less experienced compared to the other teams in the group, giving Qatar a better chance to secure a win.

If Qatar manages to achieve two victories, they might secure one of the two spots to advance into the knockout stages.

Path To The Quarterfinals

The format of the tournament is clear. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals, and from there the competition will move into the knockout stage, leading all the way to the final.

Seeding for the tournament is based on the FIBA U-23 world rankings, which were updated on January 1, 2025. This system ensures fair competition and organizes the groups based on team performances in recent international tournaments.

Qatar’s Road To Qualification

Qatar’s participation in this year’s World Cup did not come by chance. The national team earned its spot through strong performances at the 2025 3x3 Youth Nations League, an important tournament for young basketball talent.

During that competition, Qatar showed brilliance, especially by winning the third and sixth stages, both of which were hosted in Doha by the Qatar Football Association. These victories gave Qatar valuable ranking points.

By the end of the league, Qatar had collected 520 points, which was enough to qualify them for the 3x3 World Cup in China. This achievement was celebrated as a sign of Qatar’s rising talent in the basketball world.

Building Experience And Confidence

Although Qatar has started the World Cup with two losses, the team is looking at the bigger picture. For such a young squad, the tournament is an opportunity to gain international experience against some of the best teams in the world.

Playing against strong opponents like the US and China gives the players exposure to high-level competition. This experience will not only help them in this tournament but also prepare them for future events, including the Asian Games and other FIBA tournaments.

Support From Qatar Basketball Federation

The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) has been actively supporting the development of basketball in the country, with a special focus on the 3x3 format. The participation of the U-23 team in the World Cup is part of a larger plan to promote the sport among young players and increase Qatar’s presence on the global stage.

By investing in training, facilities, and international participation, QBF aims to create a generation of players who can compete at the highest levels. The presence of senior officials like Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari and Yassin Ismail shows the federation’s strong backing of the team.

The Qatar U-23 3x3 Basketball Team has made a tough start to its World Cup campaign in China, losing its opening matches against the United States and China. However, with two matches still to be played against Latvia and Fiji, the team remains hopeful of turning things around.

Their journey to the World Cup itself is a major achievement, showing the progress Qatar has made in recent years in developing young basketball talent. No matter the final result, the experience gained by the players will strengthen Qatar’s basketball future and inspire more youth to take up the sport.

As the tournament continues, Qatar’s young team will be aiming not just for wins but also for respect, recognition, and valuable experience on the global stage.