By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
After a very eventful Sunday, four national teams advanced to the next phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.
France secured their place with a commanding 98–79 victory over Hungary on home soil, capping a crucial weekend of action across the continent.
After flirting with a 1–2 record just days earlier, the French side responded emphatically, claiming their third win to punch their ticket to the Second Round. The result ensures that France remain firmly on course for another appearance on basketball’s biggest stage.
Twice bronze medalists at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, France continue to build momentum as they aim to return to the global spotlight. Their composed and clinical performance against Hungary underlined their experience and depth, qualities that have defined their recent international campaigns.
Finland also confirmed their progression, becoming the first team in Group G to advance to the Second Round. A dramatic 78–75 comeback victory over Belgium lifted the Finns to a 3–1 record, while leaving their opponents winless at 0–4.
The result means Finland cannot be overtaken by the bottom-placed team in the remaining two First Round games. It marks the third consecutive time the Nordic nation has reached the Second Round since the current qualification format was introduced.
In Group E, reigning world champions Germany rebounded in style to secure qualification alongside Croatia and Israel, officially closing out the group following Sunday’s results.
Germany edged Croatia 91–89 in a thrilling overtime encounter, avenging an earlier road defeat. Meanwhile, Israel delivered a dominant 83–54 victory over Cyprus to confirm their place in the next round.
The outcomes leave Germany and Croatia tied at 3–1, with Israel advancing at 2–2. Cyprus, at 0–4, becomes the first European team eliminated from the 2027 qualifying campaign.
For Germany, progression keeps their title defense firmly on track as they look to build on their historic triumph at the most recent World Cup. Croatia and Israel, meanwhile, move a step closer to returning to the global stage after missing recent editions, both nations aiming to end lengthy absences from the sport’s premier international tournament.