Qatar to Host 2026 FIBA U-18 Asia Cup

Qatar has been awarded the rights to host the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup (one of the biggest basketball events bringing the best basketball talent in Asia together). The announcement was made following a meeting on 26 June 2025, after a meeting of the FIBA Asia Board of Directors, that allocated host nations for major sporting events between 2026 and 2028. The tournament will see 16 national teams, taking place in two newly built venues in Qatar and usually with eight games played a day, it will be a major sporting occasion for the area. This announcement is yet another proud moment for Qatar, showing off the world’s best facilities and with great experience in delivering world class events, and it shows that Qatar is keen to continue its push to promote sporting initiatives at any level.

Qatar will also be the host country for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the first time any nation in the MENA will host any event of that caliber. The event will take place between August 28 to September 12, 2027. QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb said he was extremely delighted with the announcement – “It is a very great honour for us to host the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup. This tournament unearths and develops young basketball players of the highest quality from across Asia.”

He mentioned Qatar’s ability to continue with major events also depicts a much-earlier increased presence on the international map for the sport. He also believes that hosting the 2026 U18 Cup and 2027 World Cup can inspire younger performers, and add to the development of the sport and sports tourism in Qatar.

The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) has plans to continue to host more regional and international events prior to the 2027 World Cup, to continue to develop Qatar’s national teams, and help develop basketball in the country.

Countries hosting FIBA men’s and women’s events in the following period (2026-2028) 

• Philippines – 2027 Women’s Asian Cup
• Indonesia – 2027 & 2028 U-16 Women’s Asian Cups
• Kazakhstan – 2028 U-18 Women’s Asian Cup
• Jordan – 2027 U-16 Women’s Asian Cup
• Qatar to host 2026 FIBA U-18 Asia Cup basketball tournament

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