FIBA postpones qualifying games set for Lebanon and Qatar

Field Level Media|published: Sun 1st March, 14:38 2026

Jul 31, 2021; Saitama, Japan; Iran power forward Mohammad Hassanzadeh (7) passes the ball against France centre Petr Cornelie (28) during men's basketball group A play during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images

Four FIBA World Cup qualifying games slated for Lebanon and Qatar on Monday have been postponed after the United States' military strikes against Iran on Saturday.

The U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran, the nation's capital, and other major cities in Iran and President Donald Trump said the attacks will continue.

Iran said that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country's supreme leader since 1989, was killed in the attacks.

"In light of the developments (Saturday) in the region, FIBA has decided to postpone all games in groups C and D of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers that were scheduled for Monday, March 2," the organization said.

Group C games Iran-Syria, Iraq-Jordan and a Group D contest between Lebanon and India were to be held in Zouk Mikael, Lebanon. The Group D contest between Saudi Arabia and Qatar was slated to be played in Doha.

FIBA said the games will be rescheduled for June when the next qualifying window is slated.

"FIBA remains in close contact with the national federations concerned," the entity said, "and is taking necessary measures with respect to the safety and security of teams, officials and staff involved in those games."

Qatar is scheduled to host the 2027 FIBA World Cup from Aug. 27-Sept. 12.

--Field Level Media

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