The FIBA World Cup: A Comprehensive Guide

Sept. 8, 2023, 11:30 p.m. Sports

The FIBA World Cup is the biggest international basketball tournament in the world. Held every four years, the World Cup features 32 of the best national basketball teams from around the globe. The United States is the most successful country in the tournament's history, winning a record five times.

The next FIBA World Cup will be held in 2019 in China. Here's everything you need to know about the tournament.

When is the FIBA World Cup?

The 2019 FIBA World Cup will take place from August 31 to September 15.

Where is the FIBA World Cup?

The World Cup will be held in China, with games taking place in eight different cities: Beijing, Foshan, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Wuhan, and Zhengzhou.

How many teams are in the FIBA World Cup?

A total of 32 teams will participate in the World Cup.

Who are the defending champions?

The United States are the defending champions, having won the last World Cup in 2014.

What is the format of the FIBA World Cup?

The 32 teams are split into eight groups of four. They will then compete in a round-robin tournament, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.

When is the FIBA World Cup draw?

The World Cup draw will take place on March 16, 2019 in Shenzhen, China.

What are the venues for the FIBA World Cup?

The venues for the 2019 World Cup are the following:

Beijing
- Wukesong Sport Arena
- Cadillac Arena

Foshan
- Shi'nan International Sports Center Gymnasium

Nanjing
- Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium

Shanghai
- Mercedes-Benz Arena

Shenzhen
- Universiade Sports Center

Suzhou
- Suzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium

Wuhan
- Wuhan Sports Center Gymnasium

Zhengzhou
- Xinzheng Gymnasium

Which teams have qualified for the FIBA World Cup?

The following 32 teams have qualified for the World Cup:

Afghanistan
Argentina
Australia
Bahrain
Belgium
Brazil
Cameroon
Canada
China
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Iran
Iraq
Italy
Jordan
Lithuania
New Zealand
Nigeria
Puerto Rico
Philippines
Russia
Senegal
Serbia
South Korea
Spain
Tunisia
Turkey
USA

What are the groups for the FIBA World Cup?

The groups for the 2019 World Cup are as follows:

Group A: China, Cote d'Ivoire, Poland, Venezuela

Group B: Argentina, Korea, Nigeria, Russia

Group C: Australia, Canada, Lithuania, Senegal

Group D: Brazil, Greece, Montenegro, New Zealand

Group E: Angola, Italy, Philippines, Serbia

Group F: Dominican Republic, Japan, Jordan, Syria

Group G: Cameroon, Iran, Puerto Rico, Tunisia

Group H: Bahrain, Germany, Netherlands, USA