By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
A total of 16 matches will be played in the second round of February’s World Cup qualifiers window in Europe.
Sunday started with a blast, as Austria grabbed the first win of the FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers after defeating Netherlands 87-88 thanks to an amazing last minute. Despite triling 87-82 with less than a minute to play, the away team never gave up and two three pointers from Benjamin Schuch and Timo Lanmuller, this one with only seven seconds of regulation, completed the comeback.
Group E: Two-way tie at the top
The qualification window closed with a Germany–Croatia clash that ended in a 91–89 home victory after overtime. With this result, Germany and Croatia are tied at the top of the group. Israel sit at 2–2 after defeating Cyprus 54–83.
The group has now been decided. Following today’s results, Cyprus (0–4) are eliminated and have no chance of advancing to the next phase, meaning Germany, Croatia and Israel move on.
Group F: Drama until the end
From a group where everything is settled to one where anything could happen.
Austria’s 87–88 win over Netherlands has opened up all the possibilities in the group, with everything set to be decided next July during the final qualification window for the 2027 World Cup.
Poland was the last of the six teams to qualify for the second round after comfortably defeating Latvia 92-72.
Group G: France advances
With their 98–79 victory over Hungary, France have become — for now — the only team in Group G to advance to the next phase.
In the other game of the group, Finland defeated Belgium 78–75, a result that leaves the Belgians with a 0–4 record and gives Finland the qualification to the second round.
Group H: Sweden refuses to give up
On the brink of elimination, Sweden secured a crucial away victory to keep their hopes alive. Sweden beat Estonia 69–79 to remain in contention for qualification to Qatar.
In the other group game, Slovenia bounced back from a poor first half to defeat Czechia 84–86.
FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers
Group A
1. Spain 6 (3-0)
2. Ukraine 5 (2-1)
3. Georgia 4 (1-2)
4. Denmark 3 (0-3)
Georgia – Denmark (02/03)
Spain – Ukraine (02/03)
Group B
1. Portugal 5 (2-1)
2. Greece 5 (2-1)
3. Montenegro 5 (2-1)
4. Romania 3 (0-3)
Romania – Portugal (02/03)
Montenegro – Greece (02/03)
Group C
1. Turkiye 6 (3-0)
2. Serbia 5 (2-1)
3. Bosnia-Herzegovina 4 (1-2)
4. Switzerland 3 (0-3)
Switzerland – Bosnia-Herzegovina (02/03)
Turkey – Serbia (02/03)
Group D
1. Iceland 5 (2-1)
2. Italy 5 (2-1)
3. Lithuania 4 (1-2)
4. Great Britain 4 (1-2)
Lithuania – Iceland (02/03)
Italy – Great Britain (02/03)
Group E
2. Germany 6 (3-1)
3. Israel 5 (2-2)
4. Cyprus 4 (0-4)
Group F
1. Poland 7 (3-1)
2. Netherlands 6 (2-2)
3. Latvia 5 (1-3)
4. Austria 5 (1-3)
Netherlands – Austria 87-88
Poland – Latvia 92-72
Group G
1. Finland 7 (3-1)
2. France 7 (3-1)
3. Hungary 6 (2-2)
4. Belgium 4 (0-4)
Finland – Belgium 78-75
France – Hungary 98-79
Group H
1. Slovenia 7 (3-1)
2. Czechia 6 (2-2)
3. Estonia 6 (2-2)
4. Sweden 5 (1-3)
Czechia – Slovenia 84-86
Estonia – Sweden 69-79